UEFA rejects Benfica appeal, keeps Prestianni ban over alleged insults to Vinícius | OneFootball

Benfica’s appeal against Gianluca Prestianni’s suspension has been rejected, ruling him out of tonight’s Champions League play-off second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. He travelled to Madrid and trained on the pitch yesterday.

UEFA confirmed that the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 stands, and that Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA match for which he would be eligible. The announcement arrived about five hours before kick-off.

The Argentine is under sanction for alleged racist and homophobic insults directed at Vinícius during last Tuesday’s Benfica v Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz. After scoring the only goal, he covered his mouth with his shirt while speaking to the forward, who went straight to the referee.

After the match, Kylian Mbappé said Prestianni had used a racist term towards Vinícius several times. Aurélien Tchouaméni relayed the Benfica player’s alleged denial of a racist insult, claiming instead that a homophobic slur had been used.

Prestianni has denied any abusive insult, receiving full backing from Benfica and from José Mourinho. The coach will also be absent from the Bernabéu due to suspension after his red card in the first leg.

No conclusive evidence of racist or homophobic abuse has been presented publicly. The provisional ban was imposed for an alleged breach of UEFA regulations, and with the appeal dismissed the decision remains in force while the investigation continues. If found guilty, Prestianni could face a minimum 10-match ban.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo