Overview
- UEFA’s disciplinary panel on Friday suspended Gianluca Prestianni for six official matches for discriminatory, homophobic conduct during February’s Benfica–Real Madrid game.
- Three games take immediate effect with one already served in the Feb. 25 return leg, leaving two still to miss in UEFA competitions, and three games sit on a two‑year probation.
- UEFA asked FIFA to apply the suspension worldwide, a step that could bar the winger from official Argentina matches, and friendlies would not reduce the ban if FIFA approves.
- Investigators did not substantiate a racist insult but cited evidence of homophobic language, with Prestianni having acknowledged using a slur during the on‑field clash.
- Benfica and the player plan to appeal within UEFA and may go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where they could also seek a temporary stay while the case is reviewed.