Benfica responds to Prestianni's provisional suspension | OneFootball

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·23 February 2026

Benfica responds to Prestianni's provisional suspension

Article image:Benfica responds to Prestianni's provisional suspension

Prestianni case: UEFA strikes, Benfica announces immediate appeal

Article image:Benfica responds to Prestianni's provisional suspension

Prestianni / @x.com/brfootball

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Just hours before the decisive Champions League play-off second leg, SL Benfica finds itself at the heart of a disciplinary storm. UEFA has decided to provisionally suspend its young Argentine attacking midfielder, Gianluca Prestianni, for one match.

This measure comes as part of an ongoing investigation following allegations of racist insults allegedly directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during last week's first leg.

According to the Portuguese daily A Bola, the provisional suspension was officially communicated to the Lisbon club on Monday. As a result, Prestianni will not feature against Real Madrid, pending the final outcome of the disciplinary process.

Benfica's official response

SL Benfica has been informed of the decision by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to impose a provisional one-match suspension on its player Gianluca Prestianni, as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident during the match against Real Madrid.The club regrets being deprived of its player's services for the duration of the proceedings and announces its intention to appeal the decision to the relevant UEFA authorities. However, it clarifies that procedural deadlines will have no impact on the second leg of the Champions League play-off.Benfica reaffirms its strong and unwavering commitment to fighting all forms of racism and discrimination. These values are an integral part of its historic identity and are reflected in its daily actions within its international community, through the Benfica Foundation, as well as in the legacy left by the club’s iconic figures such as Eusébio.

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