UEFA bans Gianluca Prestianni six matches for homophobic conduct towards Vinicius Junior

UEFA has issued a six-match suspension to Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni for homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League play-off match in February 2026.

The incident occurred on February 17, 2026, during the first leg of the Champions League play-off tie between Benfica and Real Madrid. At the time, Vinicius Junior alleged that Prestianni had racially abused him, prompting UEFA to open a disciplinary investigation into potential discriminatory conduct.

Prestianni denied the allegations on social media, stating he never directed racist insults at Vinicius Junior and suggesting the Brazilian forward misunderstood what he heard.

On April 24, 2026, UEFA confirmed the suspension but clarified it was for homophobic conduct, not racism. Three games of the six-match ban are suspended for two years, meaning Prestianni will effectively serve only two matches of the ban in UEFA competitions.

UEFA’s statement noted that the match Prestianni missed due to the suspension being applied “without prejudice” for the reverse fixture in Madrid later that month counts towards the total ban.

The governing body has requested FIFA to apply the ban globally, which would include competitions such as the FIFA World Cup. Prestianni made his Argentina debut in November 2025 and was included in Lionel Scaloni’s squad in March 2026.

There is a three-day window to appeal the decision, but Benfica sources have indicated they do not intend to appeal the sanction.

This case highlights UEFA’s ongoing efforts to combat discrimination in football, following similar high-profile incidents involving players accused of discriminatory behavior.

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