Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni has been handed a six-match ban by Uefa after being found guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match in Lisbon on 17 February. Three matches of the suspension are suspended for a two-year period, meaning the Argentine may miss only two further European games after serving a one-game provisional ban.
Uefa has announced it will request Fifa to extend the ban to international matches, which could see Prestianni sit out the first two games of the World Cup. The incident occurred when Prestianni addressed Vinícius while covering his mouth with his shirt. Vinícius temporarily left the pitch, prompting a ten-minute stoppage, leading to an investigation by Uefa's ethics and disciplinary body.
The investigation concluded that Prestianni's conduct was homophobic rather than racist, an offence that typically carries a minimum ten-match suspension under Article 14 of Uefa's disciplinary regulations. The reduced punishment may be partly due to Prestianni reportedly accepting his guilt, though Uefa has not yet published its full reasoning.
The case has sparked discussions about potential rule changes. The International Football Association Board is set to meet in Canada next week to consider stricter penalties for players who cover their mouths while speaking to opponents. Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently stated that any such behaviour with racist consequences should result in a red card, emphasising that covering one's mouth suggests something inappropriate has been said.
