Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match European ban after being found guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. The incident occurred on 17 February in Lisbon, when Prestianni was seen addressing the Brazilian while covering his mouth with his shirt, prompting Vinícius to temporarily leave the field and causing a 10-minute stoppage.
Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body ruled that Prestianni’s actions were homophobic rather than racist, with three matches of the ban suspended for a two-year period. Having already served a one-game provisional ban, Prestianni may face only two further European matches out, though Uefa has announced it will ask Fifa to extend the suspension to include international fixtures.
Under Uefa’s Article 14, homophobic conduct typically carries a minimum 10-match ban, but the disciplinary body has not yet published its reasons for the reduced punishment. Prestianni is understood to have accepted his guilt, which may have influenced the decision.
The incident is expected to prompt a rule change by the International Football Association Board, which meets in Canada next week. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has stated that players covering their mouths to speak to opponents during confrontations should receive a red card, as it “must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said”.
