UCL: UEFA hands Benfica’s Prestianni six-game ban after Vinícius Jr incident

UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban following his involvement in a controversial incident with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League knockout play-off in February.

The match, played at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, was temporarily halted after Vinícius Júnior accused the 20-year-old of racially abusing him. Prestianni denied the allegation, maintaining that his words were misinterpreted.

However, Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni later revealed that Prestianni admitted to directing a homophobic remark at the Brazilian forward.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, UEFA subsequently ruled on the case, issuing a six-game suspension.

The sanction includes two matches to be served immediately, with three additional games suspended for a two-year period.

Prestianni had already completed a provisional one-match ban. UEFA has also requested that FIFA extend the punishment worldwide.

The incident escalated when Vinícius approached referee François Letexier during the game. The official responded by making the crossed-arms gesture introduced by FIFA to signal alleged racist abuse. Vinícius briefly left the pitch, followed by several teammates, before play resumed.

After the match, the Real Madrid forward condemned racism, stating on social media that “racists are, above all, cowards.”

Benfica defended their player in the aftermath, rejecting claims of racist abuse and backing his account of events. Head coach José Mourinho, however, warned that the winger’s future would be at risk if any form of discriminatory conduct was proven.

The case has reignited debate over disciplinary standards in football, with critics pointing to the disparity between sanctions for racist and homophobic abuse. While racist conduct carries a minimum 10-match ban under UEFA regulations, Prestianni’s punishment has been viewed by some as comparatively lenient.

Meanwhile, football lawmakers at the International Football Association Board are considering new measures to prevent players from covering their mouths during on-field exchanges, amid concerns such actions can obscure offensive language.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has suggested stricter enforcement, including possible dismissals for such behaviour in future competitions.