Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, has handed Gianluca Prestianni a six-match suspension following a disciplinary probe into offensive remarks made during a UEFA Champions League fixture against Real Madrid in February.
The sanction stems from an altercation involving Vinícius Júnior, who, alongside teammates, accused the Benfica winger of directing racially abusive language at him during the heated knockout playoff first leg. Prestianni, however, denied the racism claims, admitting instead to using derogatory and homophobic terms in the exchange.
Confirming UEFA’s decision in a statement on Friday, Benfica said the punishment specifically relates to the use of “homophobic language,” aligning with the player’s own admission.
Under the ruling, three of the six matches are suspended for a two-year probationary period, meaning the Argentine will serve three games unless he reoffends. One match has already been served following a provisional suspension before the return leg, leaving two more to be completed in UEFA club competitions or while representing Argentina in FIFA-sanctioned fixtures.
The case adds to growing scrutiny over discriminatory conduct in European football, as governing bodies intensify efforts to clamp down on abusive language and uphold stricter disciplinary standards across competitions
