UEFA Temporarily Suspends Prestianni After Vinicius Racism Incident, Misses Real Madrid Clash

T.E (Elbotola)

23 February 2026at14:41

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Monday the temporary one-match suspension of Argentine player Gianluca Prestianni. This decision comes after allegations of discriminatory behavior against Vinicius Junior during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff qualifying for the round of 16, in a match between Benfica and Real Madrid.

The decision followed UEFA tasking its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) with investigating the incident. An initial report was subsequently submitted, recommending the imposition of this suspension.

The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) confirmed that this suspension applies to the next match for which Prestianni is eligible, effectively ruling him out of the return leg of the playoff against Real Madrid.

UEFA emphasized that this decision is provisional and does not prejudice any future rulings that may be issued by the disciplinary bodies once the investigation is fully completed.

The return leg is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, starting at 8:00 PM (20:00 GMT), at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Q&A

Why was Gianluca Prestianni suspended by UEFA?

Gianluca Prestianni received a temporary one-match suspension from UEFA after allegations of discriminatory behavior against Vinicius Junior during the Champions League playoff first leg. This decision is provisional as the investigation continues.

What match will Gianluca Prestianni miss due to the UEFA suspension?

Prestianni is ruled out of Benfica's upcoming UEFA Champions League playoff return leg against Real Madrid. This provisional suspension applies to the next match he is eligible for.

UEFA Champions League