UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid CF, following an incident involving Vinícius Júnior during last week’s first-leg encounter.
The suspension was announced after UEFA appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory conduct that allegedly occurred during the Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Playoff match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, 2026.
According to UEFA, the decision to impose a provisional ban was taken by its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) following the submission of an interim report by the appointed inspector. Based on the preliminary findings, the CEDB determined that there was a prima facie case suggesting a potential violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses discriminatory behavior.
As a result, Prestianni has been suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise have been eligible. This means the young winger will be unavailable for selection in the crucial second-leg fixture against Real Madrid, a match that could determine progression in Europe’s premier club competition.
UEFA clarified that the provisional suspension does not represent a final verdict on the matter. The governing body emphasized that the measure is temporary and taken without prejudice to any subsequent ruling that may be issued once the full investigation has been completed and formally reviewed by its disciplinary bodies.
While specific details regarding the alleged incident have not been publicly disclosed, the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector signals the seriousness with which UEFA treats allegations of discriminatory conduct. Article 14 of the Disciplinary Regulations outlines strict sanctions for individuals found guilty of discriminatory actions, reflecting UEFA’s broader commitment to combating racism and all forms of discrimination in football.
The ongoing investigation will assess all relevant evidence before a final decision is made. Further updates are expected once the disciplinary process has run its course and UEFA’s judicial bodies have delivered their ruling.
In the meantime, Benfica will have to adjust their squad plans for the decisive encounter against Real Madrid without Prestianni, as attention shifts both to the high-stakes match and to the outcome of UEFA’s disciplinary proceedings.
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