Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni will miss the decisive Champions League playoff second leg against Real Madrid after UEFA rejected the club’s appeal against his provisional suspension for alleged discriminatory behavior.
UEFA has officially dismissed Benfica’s appeal against a one-match ban handed to Gianluca Prestianni following allegations of racial abuse toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.
The disciplinary body confirmed the suspension remains in place for tonight’s high-stakes encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
In a formal statement, UEFA declared: “The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 is confirmed.”
The ruling leaves José Mourinho’s side without the 20-year-old winger as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.
The governing body emphasized that the investigation into the Estádio da Luz incident is ongoing, stating: “Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.”
Prestianni, who denies the accusations, could face a more severe permanent ban if found guilty.