Benfica appealed the unique choice relating to Prestianni however UEFA has dominated in opposition to the Portuguese membership
UEFA has dismissed Benfica’s attraction in opposition to Gianluca Prestianni’s one-game provisional suspension and he’ll miss tonight’s recreation in opposition to Real Madrid.
The Portuguese membership launched the attraction instantly after UEFA introduced they’d sanctioned the Argentine, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Rules associated to a discriminatory behaviour.
Prestianni is accused of utilizing a racial slur in opposition to Madrid’s Vinicius Jr within the first leg of the Champions League play-off final week in Lisbon.
A UEFA assertion this afternoon learn: “The Appeals Physique has taken at this time the next choice: The attraction lodged by SL Benfica is dismissed. Consequently, the UEFA Management, Ethics and Disciplinary Physique’s decision 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.”
Prestianni skilled in Madrid final night time
Prestianni skilled with the remainder of the Benfica squad on the Santiago Bernabeu final night time within the slim hope he can be eligible to play. Having been dominated out, it stays to be seen the place he watches the sport.
UEFA confirmed to 101greatgoals.com yesterday that the 20-year-old would be capable to enter the Benfica dressing room earlier than and after the sport, and sit within the stands. He received’t, nevertheless, be capable to sit on the bench.
That opens up the potential of Prestianni and Vinicius Jr doubtlessly coming head to head within the tunnel space.
Benfica insist Prestianni is harmless
Benfica have stood behind their man all through and membership president Rui Costa backed that stance yesterday.
Speaking ahead of the flight from Lisbon, he said: “Clearly all of us talked. It’s evident that it’s a scenario for everybody and it’s evident that Prestianni isn’t racist as a result of if he had been he wouldn’t play for Benfica.
“Though it’s a recreation scenario, it’s also a human scenario. Benfica would by no means have racist gamers in its squad. Prestianni isn’t racist and if he had been I’d be the primary to take motion.”
