UEFA Provisionally Suspends Benfica’s Prestianni Over Alleged Discriminatory Conduct
UEFA has provisionally suspended Gianluca Prestianni for one UEFA club competition match following allegations of discriminatory behaviour during a Champions League fixture.
In an official statement, UEFA confirmed that, after appointing an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate incidents arising from the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) had decided to impose a provisional suspension.
The governing body stated that the sanction relates to a *prima facie* violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses discriminatory behaviour. As a result, Prestianni will miss the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise have been eligible.
UEFA clarified that the suspension is without prejudice to any further ruling that may follow once the ongoing investigation is concluded and formally submitted to its disciplinary bodies.
Prestianni, 20, plays as a right winger for Benfica and is regarded as one of the club’s emerging talents. Further updates are expected once UEFA completes its review of the case.
