UEFA Hands Gianluca Prestianni Six Match Ban

The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has announced a six-match suspension for SL Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni following disciplinary proceedings related to alleged discriminatory conduct during a UEFA Champions League fixture earlier this season.

The case stems from Benfica’s match against Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, after a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector opened an investigation into a potential incident of homophobic behaviour.

Following its review, the CEDB ruled that Prestianni will be suspended for a total of six UEFA club and/or representative national team matches for which he would otherwise be eligible. Three of those matches are suspended under a probationary period of two years, which begins from the date of the decision.

The sanction also takes into account a one-match provisional suspension already served by the player during the Champions League knockout play-off tie between Real Madrid and Benfica on 25 February 2026.

In addition, UEFA has confirmed it will request FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide, potentially preventing Prestianni from featuring in domestic competitions outside UEFA jurisdiction during the enforcement period.

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