UEFA have formally rejected SL Benfica’s attraction to elevate the provisional suspension imposed on Gianluca Prestianni forward of their Champions League second leg towards Actual Madrid CF.
In keeping with switch journalist Fabrizio Romano through his official x deal with, the suspension stays legitimate for Wednesday evening’s fixture on the Santiago Bernabéu, that means Prestianni is not going to be accessible for choice.
Fabrizio acknowledged:
Official: UEFA affirm to Benfica their resolution to reject the attraction for Gianluca Prestianni. Provisional suspension stays legitimate for tonight; Prestianni is not going to play on the Bernabéu towards Actual Madrid.
Softfootball earlier reported that The provisional ban was issued after the 20-year-old was accused of directing a racist slur at Vinícius Júnior through the first leg in Lisbon.
The match was halted for 10 minutes after Vinícius approached referee François Letexier to lodge a criticism. The incident occurred shortly after Vinícius had scored the one aim of the sport, giving Madrid a 1–0 combination benefit heading into the return leg.
Regardless of Benfica’s request for the suspension to be lifted with Prestianni firmly denying the allegation UEFA confirmed the choice would stand whereas the investigation continues. In an official assertion launched simply hours earlier than kick-off.
UEFA mentioned:
The attraction lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Management, Ethics and Disciplinary Physique’s resolution of 23 February 2026 is confirmed. Mr. Gianluca Prestianni stays provisionally suspended for the following UEFA membership competitors match for which he would in any other case be eligible.
Benfica president Rui Costa publicly backed the participant, stating:
Benfica will stand by Prestianni. Not simply because he’s our participant. Prestianni is just not racist, he’s being condemned for racism when he’s not racist.
Supervisor José Mourinho has declined to talk to the media following his controversial feedback after the primary leg.
Prestianni additionally issued a denial, saying:
I wish to make clear that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard. I used to be by no means racist with anybody and I remorse the threats I obtained from Actual Madrid gamers.
Footage from the stoppage appeared to point out two Benfica supporters racially abusing Vinícius. The Portuguese membership confirmed they may sanction any followers discovered responsible of racist behaviour, together with monkey chants or gestures, and have launched an inside investigation.
With tensions excessive and the investigation ongoing, the main target now shifts to occasions on the pitch on the Bernabéu, the place Benfica should try and overturn a 1–0 deficit with out Prestianni accessible.
