UEFA has suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following homophobic conduct during a Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The incident occurred in February during a playoff first-leg match, when Prestianni was accused of directing a discriminatory slur at Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
The match was briefly halted—reportedly for about 10–11 minutes—after Vinícius raised the complaint to officials, initially believed to involve racist abuse.
However, UEFA’s investigation later concluded the language used was homophobic rather than racist.
Prestianni denied making a racist remark but did not deny the homophobic comment, which ultimately led to disciplinary action.
UEFA’s ruling imposes a six-match ban, though three matches are suspended for a two-year probation period.
Having already served a one-match provisional suspension, the player is expected to miss two more games unless further violations occur.
UEFA has also asked FIFA to extend the sanction globally, underlining its strict stance against discriminatory behavior in football.
