BREAKING: Prestianni appeal dismissed by UEFA so Benfica star will miss Real Madrid clash
Benfica appealed the original decision regarding Prestianni but UEFA has ruled against the Portuguese club
UEFA has dismissed Benfica’s appeal against Gianluca Prestianni’s one-game provisional suspension and he will miss tonight’s game against Real Madrid.
The Portuguese club launched the appeal immediately after UEFA announced they had sanctioned the Argentine, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations related to a discriminatory behaviour.
Prestianni is accused of using a racial slur against Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in the first leg of the Champions League play-off last week in Lisbon.
A UEFA statement this afternoon read: “The Appeals Body has taken today the following decision: The appeal lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of 23 February 2026 is confirmed.
“Mr. Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.”
Prestianni trained in Madrid last night
Prestianni trained with the rest of the Benfica squad at the Santiago Bernabeu last night in the slim hope he would be eligible to play. Having been ruled out, it remains to be seen where he watches the game.
UEFA confirmed to 101greatgoals.com yesterday that the 20-year-old would be able to enter the Benfica dressing room before and after the game, and sit in the stands. He won’t, however, be able to sit on the bench.
That opens up the possibility of Prestianni and Vinicius Jr potentially coming face to face in the tunnel area.
Benfica insist Prestianni is innocent
Benfica have stood behind their man throughout and club president Rui Costa backed that stance yesterday.
Speaking ahead of the flight from Lisbon, he said: “Obviously we all talked. It is evident that it is a situation for everyone and it is evident that Prestianni is not racist because if he were he would not play for Benfica.
“Although it is a game situation, it is also a human situation. Benfica would never have racist players in its squad. Prestianni is not racist and if he were I would be the first to take action.”