Officially: Benfica's Appeal Regarding Prestiani's Suspension Rejected
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) officially announced the rejection of the appeal submitted by Benfica regarding the suspension of player Gianluca Prestianni following the incident of racism against Vinicius Junior.
The Argentine star made racist remarks against Vinicius Junior during the first leg of the playoff match qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, at the Estádio da Luz.
The statement read: "The appeal submitted by Benfica has been rejected, and consequently, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body issued on February 23, 2026, is confirmed."
Under the decision, Gianluca Prestiani will remain temporarily suspended from the next match in UEFA club competitions, in which he was supposed to be eligible to participate.
It is noted that the player will be absent tonight from the match against Real Madrid in the second leg of the playoff qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The Argentine star made racist remarks against Vinicius Junior during the first leg of the playoff match qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, at the Estádio da Luz.
The statement read: "The appeal submitted by Benfica has been rejected, and consequently, the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body issued on February 23, 2026, is confirmed."
Under the decision, Gianluca Prestiani will remain temporarily suspended from the next match in UEFA club competitions, in which he was supposed to be eligible to participate.
It is noted that the player will be absent tonight from the match against Real Madrid in the second leg of the playoff qualifying for the UEFA Champions League round of 16, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
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