UEFA Hands Provisional Ban To Prestianni Over Alleged Racism Case

Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by Union of European Football Associations and will miss SL Benfica’s second-leg Champions League clash against Real Madrid amid an ongoing racism investigation.

The governing body notified Benfica of the temporary suspension, which takes immediate effect while disciplinary proceedings continue.

The probe stems from an incident during the first leg at Estádio da Luz on February 17, where Real Madrid won 1-0. Video footage showed an exchange between Prestianni and goalscorer Vinícius Júnior in which the Argentine covered his mouth while speaking.

Vinícius reported to the referee that he had been subjected to a racist remark, prompting a brief suspension of play as officials assessed the situation.

UEFA opened a formal investigation and appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to review evidence, match footage, and witness accounts. The process remains ongoing and will not conclude before the second-leg fixture, leading to Prestianni’s provisional suspension to preserve competition integrity.

Prestianni has denied the allegation, stating that he made no racist comment and expressing regret over the threats and negative attention arising from the incident. 

Real Madrid has supported the player’s complaint and emphasised the need for decisive action against discrimination in football.

If found guilty of racist conduct, Prestianni could face severe sanctions under UEFA regulations, including a lengthy suspension that could rule him out of European competition for an extended period.