Gianluca Prestianni has been banned by UEFA for six matches for “discriminatory conduct, namely homophobic conduct”. This was announced on Friday by the European governing body’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, which made its decision public following the investigation opened against the Benfica player for what happened in the Youth League match against Real Madrid on 17 February. UEFA is asking FIFA to extend the suspension worldwide so he could miss the World Cup.
The file was opened after an investigation by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspector, who noted possible discriminatory conduct by the Argentine footballer from the Lisbon club. After studying the case, the CEDB decided to impose a six-match ban on him from official UEFA club and/or national team matches, provided they were matches for which the player was available.
A nuanced sanction
The suspension, however, has an important caveat. Three of the six matches are subject to a two-year probationary period from the date of the decision. In other words, Prestianni will have to serve three matches effectively, provided he does not reoffend during that period.
In addition, UEFA clarified that within this global sanction is included the provisional suspension match that the player already served in the Champions League 2025/26 play-off tie between Real Madrid and Benfica, played on February 25.
The European body has also asked FIFA to extend the sanction worldwide, which could extend the disciplinary effects beyond competitions organised directly by UEFA
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