UEFA has suspended Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for six matches following discriminatory, homophobic conduct during a Champions League game against Real Madrid. The Argentine winger will serve an additional two-match ban after a probationary period is factored in, having already served a one-match provisional suspension.
Prestianni was accused of directing a slur at Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. during the February playoff match. While Prestianni denied making a racist comment, Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni reported that Prestianni made a homophobic comment instead. UEFA also intends to request FIFA extend the suspension worldwide.
The suspension includes the match Prestianni already missed. Benfica confirmed notification of the sanction, stating the remaining two effective matches must be served in UEFA or FIFA-context Argentina national team games. Prestianni has one cap for Argentina.