UEFA has determined that an allegation of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr by Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni is not proven. However, the Argentinian has been handed an effective two-match ban after admitting to using homophobic language towards the Brazilian during a Champions League encounter in February.
UEFA's Decision and Sanction
On Friday afternoon, UEFA announced that Prestianni had received a six-match suspension for homophobic conduct. Three of those matches are suspended for a period of two years, while one match has already been served as part of a provisional ban imposed for the return leg between the two sides on February 25.
The Press Association understands that Prestianni admitted to using a homophobic slur during UEFA's investigation. The allegation of racist language was found not proven by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB).
Incident Details
The incident occurred during the match in Lisbon on February 17, when Prestianni confronted Vinicius after the Real Madrid star scored a goal. Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinicius, making it difficult to ascertain the exact words used.
Vinicius appeared visibly upset and immediately informed the referee. The match was paused in line with UEFA regulations, resulting in a stoppage that lasted 10 minutes.
Reactions and Aftermath
The incident prompted FIFA to bring forward a proposal for a law change at the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) on February 28. The matter is set for further discussion at an IFAB meeting in Canada next Tuesday, ahead of FIFA Congress on April 30. FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated last month that he believes red cards should be issued when a player covers their mouth while confronting an opponent.
Vinicius wrote on his Instagram story after the match: "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are. But they have protection from others who, theoretically, have the obligation to punish. Nothing that happened today is new in my life and my family's."
Benfica issued a statement at the time insisting that Prestianni vehemently denied using racist language towards Vinicius.
Appeal and Potential Worldwide Extension
The decision on Prestianni is subject to appeal, including by UEFA itself. The suspension covers Prestianni's next two matches in a UEFA competition. However, UEFA has requested that the sanction be extended worldwide by FIFA. If that extension is agreed, he could be ruled out of Argentina's opening two World Cup matches if selected in their squad.
