UEFA Reject Benfica Appeal Over Prestianni Ban

UEFA Reject Benfica Appeal Over Prestianni Ban

UEFA has rejected Benfica’s appeal against the provisional suspension of Gianluca Prestianni, meaning the winger will miss Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The 20-year-old was handed a one-match provisional ban after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse during last week’s 1-0 first-leg defeat in Lisbon.

Appeal Dismissed by UEFA

Benfica had confirmed they would challenge the decision but admitted it was unlikely to be resolved in time for the return fixture in Madrid.

UEFA’s Appeals Body dismissed the request, leaving Prestianni provisionally suspended for the next European match pending the outcome of a full disciplinary investigation.

The governing body stated there was sufficient evidence to support a “prima facie” case regarding alleged discriminatory language.

Further sanctions could still follow once UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector completes the investigation.

What Happened in Lisbon?

The controversy erupted during the first leg when Vinicius informed referee François Letexier of alleged racist remarks.

The match was halted for 10 minutes after the Brazilian forward and his Real Madrid team-mates temporarily left the pitch.

Vinicius had earlier:

• Scored the decisive goal

• Received a yellow card for celebrating in front of Benfica supporters

After the game, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho suggested the celebration had been disrespectful and incited the crowd — comments that drew criticism from former Real Madrid midfielder Clarence Seedorf.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also addressed the situation on Tuesday:

“It bothers me that Vinicius’ celebration is being used against him. That does not justify a suspected act of racism.”

Benfica’s Position

Prestianni has denied racially abusing Vinicius and trained with the squad at the Bernabéu on Tuesday in hope the appeal might succeed.

However, UEFA’s ruling means he will not feature while the investigation continues.

The case now shifts to a full disciplinary review, where a longer suspension remains possible depending on the findings.

Champions League Stakes

Real Madrid hold a 1-0 aggregate advantage heading into the second leg, and Prestianni’s absence weakens Benfica’s attacking options in a must-win clash.

Beyond the footballing implications, the case once again places racism and disciplinary enforcement under intense scrutiny in European competition.