UEFA Upholds Provisional Ban
Gianluca Prestianni will be sidelined for Benfica’s second-leg clash with Real Madrid after UEFA rejected the club’s appeal against his suspension. The 20-year-old Argentine winger faces a one-match ban after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. reported alleged racist abuse during last week’s 1-0 first-leg defeat.
Appeal Fails, Investigation Continues
Benfica had hoped the ban could be overturned ahead of Wednesday’s return at the Bernabeu, but UEFA’s Appeals Body dismissed the request. Prestianni trained with his teammates at Real Madrid’s stadium on Tuesday, yet he remains provisionally suspended. UEFA emphasized that the ban is temporary while a full investigation by an ethics and disciplinary inspector takes place, meaning additional sanctions could still follow.
Evidence Cited in Prima Facie Case
Prestianni has denied all allegations of racial abuse, but UEFA stated there is sufficient evidence to support a “prima facie” case regarding discriminatory language. Had the ban not been imposed, he would have been eligible to play while the inquiry progressed.
