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UEFA has confirmed that the appeal lodged by SL Benfica against the provisional suspension of Gianluca Prestianni has been dismissed.
The Argentine youngster had been hit with a one-match provisional ban by the European football governing body as he is currently under investigation for alleged act of racism against Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.
The incident occurred in the first leg of the Champions League knockout playoff first-leg tie last week, with Prestianni allegedly calling the Brazilian winger a ‘mo*key’ soon after the latter had scored in the second half.
The Benfica star has maintained that he did not use a racist slur against Vinicius.
Prestianni remains suspended. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The Portuguese club have also backed their player, lodging an appeal to try and overturn his one-match ban and bringing him along to Spain so that he can play tonight in the second leg if they are successful. However, UEFA has knocked back the appeal.
In an official statement, UEFA said: “The UEFA Appeals Body has taken the following decision today: The appeal submitted by SL Benfica is dismissed.
“Consequently, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of 23 February 2026 is upheld. Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.”
So, Prestianni’s suspension will remain in place and he will not be able to play tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid face Benfica in the second leg.
If he is proven guilty after the investigation, the Argentine could face a lengthy ban of up to ten matches.
Source: AS