UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match over allegations of racial abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior.
The 20-year-old midfielder will miss the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu while UEFA continues its investigation into the claims of discriminatory conduct during Benfica’s Champions League knockout play-off first leg against Real Madrid on February 17.
The suspension is part of UEFA’s interim measures pending the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary review.
In an official release, UEFA confirmed the interim measure:
“Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to a discriminatory behaviour.”
UEFA added that the suspension is issued “without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.”
Article 14 of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations covers racism and other discriminatory conduct, with potential sanctions ranging from lengthy suspensions to significant fines if a breach is confirmed.
Real Madrid and Benfica will slug it out in the second leg set for Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Spain on Wednesday.