Prestianni Receives Six-Match Suspension from UEFA for Using Homophobic Slurs Against Vinicius

As stated by UEFA, the six-match suspension for Gianluca Prestianni arises from “discriminatory behaviour” during the encounter against Real Madrid.

The organisation clarified that the allegations pertain to “homophobic slurs” directed at Prestianni, who is accused of referring to Vinicius Junior with the term “maricón”, a homophobic insult.

The ban imposed by UEFA must be served during European competitions or while playing for the Argentine national team.

“Three of these matches are subject to a probationary period of two years, commencing from the date of this ruling,” UEFA further elaborated, noting that one match of the suspension has already been served in the second leg of the play-off between Benfica and Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu.

On February 17th, during the first leg of the Champions League play-off for a spot in the round of 16, which Real Madrid won 1-0, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior approached the referee after netting the only goal of the match and accused Prestianni of making racist remarks.

French referee Francois Letexier halted the match, which took place at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, and initiated the anti-racism protocol, with play resuming nearly 10 minutes later.

After the match, Prestianni refuted the claims of having made racist comments towards Vinicius, while the Brazilian international and other players from Real Madrid affirmed the accusations against the Argentine.

UEFA provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match as the investigation was underway. Despite being ineligible to play, the Argentine travelled with the team to Madrid the following week, where Benfica lost 2-1, resulting in their elimination from the Champions League.

As Benfica has already exited European competitions, Prestianni will complete the remaining two matches of his suspension with the Argentina national team if he is called up for the 2026 World Cup.

Benfica released the following statement: “Benfica confirms that it has received notification from UEFA regarding the sanction placed on player Prestianni for the use of homophobic language during the Benfica-Real Madrid match.

“Prestianni has been suspended for six matches, with three of those suspended for a period of two years. Of the three matches he must serve, one has already been completed, and the remaining two must be served in UEFA matches or with the Argentina national team in FIFA competitions.”