UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for the second leg of the Champions League playoff on Thursday, February 26, 2026, early morning WIB, against Real Madrid following allegations that he used racist language aimed at Vinicius Junior in the first leg last week.
Vinicius accused Prestianni of hurling racist insults at him after he scored in the 1-0 win over Benfica.
Prestianni was among the Benfica players who were upset with Vinicius after the striker celebrated the goal near the Benfica corner flag. His Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappe, also said he heard the insults.
However, Prestianni has admitted to UEFA that he used a "homophobic" slur and not a racist slur.
He will now miss the second leg, pending a UEFA investigation, where he could face a ban of up to 10 matches if found guilty of racial abuse under the UEFA Disciplinary Code.
"Following the appointment of the UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the 2025/2026 Champions League playoff match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and at the request of the EDI with a provisional report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to suspend Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club tournament match (1) which he was due to attend due to a prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to discriminatory behaviour."
"This does not prejudice any decision that may be taken by the UEFA Disciplinary Body following the completion of the ongoing investigation and its referral to the UEFA Disciplinary Body."
"Further information on this matter will be available in due course," said a UEFA statement.
According to UK Practical Law, 'prima facie' means that the burden of proof must be sufficient to create an assumption that it is true.
Meanwhile, responding to the decision from UEFA, Benfica issued a statement that they would appeal.
"Sport Lisboa e Benfica has been informed of UEFA's decision to impose a temporary one-match suspension on its player, Gianluca Prestianni, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incident that occurred during the match against Real Madrid."
"The club regrets losing the player while the process is still under investigation. We will appeal this UEFA decision even though the deadline in question is likely not to have a practical impact on the second leg of the Champions League playoff round."
"Sport Lisboa e Benfica also reaffirms its firm commitment to combat all forms of racism or discrimination."
"Values that are part of its historical identity and are reflected in its daily actions, its global community, the work of the Benfica Foundation, and important figures in the club's history, such as Eusebio," said Benfica's statement.
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