Bristiani Decides to Travel to Madrid Despite Suspension
Monday 23-02-2026
Despite the temporary suspension decision issued by UEFA, the Argentine Gianluca Prestianni decided to travel with the Benfica delegation to Madrid to face Real Madrid in the second leg of the playoff qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

The player will be at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, awaiting the final decision regarding the club's appeal against the suspension penalty, after Benfica's management officially challenged the decision in hopes of having the penalty lifted or suspended.

Bristiani's participation in the match remains contingent on the final decision from the relevant authorities, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the issue ahead of one of the team's most important encounters this season.

UEFA announced in an official statement that the UEFA Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body has temporarily suspended Breestiani from the next match in UEFA club competitions. This decision comes due to his preliminary violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which pertains to discriminatory behavior.

The Argentine star had directed racist remarks towards the Brazilian star Vinicius during the first leg of the playoff qualifying for the Champions League round of 16, at the Estádio da Luz.

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