Europe (UEFA Competitions)
UEFA has handed a six-match ban to Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni after finding him guilty of abusive conduct towards Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League playoff match on February 17, 2026.
The incident happened during a tense European clash, where play was stopped for about 10 minutes after Vinícius reported being targeted. The situation drew immediate attention across football circles, especially given ongoing concerns about discrimination in the sport.
According to multiple European reports, the case was initially treated as a possible racism issue. However, UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body later ruled that the offence fell under homophobic conduct, not racial abuse.
UEFA imposed a six-match suspension on Prestianni, but with a partial reprieve:
- Three matches are immediate
- Three matches are suspended for two years (probation period)
The 20-year-old has already served one match during a provisional suspension earlier this year, meaning he is expected to miss two more upcoming matches unless further action changes the ruling.
UEFA has also taken an extra step by asking FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide.
If FIFA approves this request, the ban would go beyond club football and affect international fixtures. This could see Prestianni miss Argentina’s early matches at the upcoming World Cup, including group games against Algeria and Austria in June.
Prestianni has strongly pushed back against the decision.
Through statements released by his representatives and reported in South American media, he insists he is innocent and claims UEFA reached its verdict without solid proof.
He described the situation as a “cultural misunderstanding”, not deliberate abuse. Despite this, UEFA has stood by its ruling, leaving the player facing a significant spell out of competitive football.
The case adds to the growing spotlight on discrimination issues in European football, particularly involving Vinícius Jr., who has been at the centre of several high-profile incidents in recent years.
Football authorities across Europe have been under pressure to take stricter action, and UEFA’s decision reflects a continued effort to clamp down on abusive behaviour on the pitch.
With UEFA’s ruling already in effect and a possible global extension under review, the next move lies with FIFA.
For now, Prestianni’s immediate focus will be serving his suspension while his camp continues to challenge the outcome. The final decision on whether the ban becomes worldwide could shape both his club and international future in the coming months.