Prestianni handed six-match ban for homophobic conduct

TDT | Manama

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Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match suspension by UEFA for homophobic conduct during the club’s Champions League knockout play-off against Real Madrid in February.

The match at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon was temporarily suspended for around 10 minutes after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior alleged he had been subjected to racist abuse.

Prestianni, 20, denied making any racist remark, claiming Vinícius misheard what was said. However, Real midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni later stated that Prestianni had admitted the comment directed at the Brazilian was homophobic in nature.

UEFA’s disciplinary ruling includes a six-game ban, with three matches already served or suspended over a two-year probation period. The governing body has also requested FIFA to extend the sanction worldwide.

During the incident, Vinícius had earlier scored to give Real a 1–0 lead before being booked for his goal celebration. After the alleged exchange with Prestianni, he confronted referee François Letexier, who responded by using FIFA’s crossed-arms signal introduced in 2024 to indicate suspected discriminatory abuse.

Vinícius briefly left the pitch alongside his teammates following the incident and later posted on social media, stating: “Racists are, above all, cowards.”

Had the incident been classified as racist abuse, Prestianni would have faced a minimum 10-match European ban.

Benfica defended their player, describing the situation as a “defamation campaign” and reaffirming their full support for him. Coach José Mourinho, however, said Prestianni’s future under his management would be “over” if the allegations were proven.

Separately, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for stricter measures regarding on-field communication, suggesting players who cover their mouths during confrontations could face sanctions. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has also agreed to review potential rule changes aimed at preventing players from concealing what they say to opponents.