Alert! UEFA make new call on Prestianni, bad news for Benfica | OneFootball

UEFA rejected the appeal submitted by Benfica after the European body announced that Gianluca Prestianni would be provisionally suspended for one game following the controversy with Vinícius Júnior in the Benfica - Real Madrid match, the first leg of the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16, at Estádio da Luz.

In a statement issued this Wednesday, UEFA's Appeals Committee considered the appeal "denied" submitted by Rui Costa's management, upholding the decision made by the organization's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee, on February 23.

As a result, Gianluca Prestianni, who traveled with the team and is in the Spanish capital to attend this Wednesday's match, February 25, will not be able to play for Benfica in the decisive second leg of the Champions League playoff.

"The Appeals Committee made the following decision today: The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is denied. Consequently, the decision of UEFA's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Committee, dated February 23, 2026, is confirmed. Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible," it reads.

It should be noted that Benfica and Real Madrid are contesting the second leg of the playoff for access to the Champions League round of 16. The match is scheduled for this Wednesday, February 25, at 8:00 PM, at the Bernabéu Stadium, and will be officiated by Slavko Vincic. The clash will be broadcast on Sport TV5.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.