UEFA has opted to rule Gianluca Prestianni out of Wednesday’s game at Real Madrid
Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one game by UEFA, ruling him out of the Champions League clash with Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
Prestianni was accused of making a racist remark towards Madrid winger Vinícius Jr in the first leg of their play-off tie in Lisbon last Tuesday.
UEFA opened an investigation and its inspector has ruled the interim findings require keeping the Argentine out of the return at the Santiago Bernabeu. A full investigation is still being carried out.
A UEFA statement read: “Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to a discriminatory behaviour.
“This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies.”
Benfica expected to respond after Prestianni blow
The decision will infuriate Benfica and Prestianni himself, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, although it means he will be spared a potentially difficult night in the Spanish capital.
Before the UEFA ruling, reports from Portugal suggested Prestianni intended to play the reverse game and risk a hostile reception from the home fans.
But now both he and boss Jose Mourinho will have reduced roles. Mourinho is banned from the touchline following his red card last week.
The former Madrid boss will also avoid the traditional pre-match press conference with one of his assistants João Tralhão facing the media instead.
What is Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations?
The article relates to the committing of an act that could be deemed to be discriminatory.
UEFA states: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least 10 matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.
That means if the full investigation determines Prestianni is guilty of racially abusing Vinícius Jr, he could still be sanctioned with a 10-game ban.
What happened in the first leg in Lisbon?
Vinicius Jr has alleged Prestianni called him a “monkey” in the immediate aftermath of the Brazil international putting the visitors ahead with a stunning strike six minutes into the second half.
The referee halted the game for around eight minutes while Vinicius articulated his case but the player was persuaded to continue the game.
Prestianni held his shirt over his mouth while making the alleged remark and has denied any wrong doing, telling his accusers to “stop inventing things”.
Benfica and Mourinho stand by Prestianni
Benfica backed their man after the game – even posting a video on social media in which they attempt to prove no other Madrid player could have heard what Prestianni is alleged to have said – while boss Jose Mourinho suggested Vinicius Jr had incited the home crowd with his celebrations following the goal.
The Portuguese club confirmed their stance with a strongly worded statement in which it turned on the player’s critics and used Mozambique-born Eusebio to demonstrate why they are against all forms of racism.
The statement read: “Benfica faces with a total spirit of collaboration, transparency, openness and a sense of clarification the steps announced today by UEFA, following the alleged case of racism that occurred in the game against Real Madrid.
“The club reaffirms, in a clear and unequivocal way, its historical and uncompromising commitment to the defense of the values of equality, respect and inclusion, which meet the matrix values of its foundation and which have in Eusébio its greatest symbol.
“Benfica also reiterates that it supports and fully believes in the version presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct in the service of the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define Benfica’s identity. The club regrets the defamation campaign of which the player has been a victim.”
