Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended for six European matches after being found guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior. The incident occurred during the Champions League knockout playoff round match in Lisbon on 17 February.
Vinicius alleged he was racially abused after Prestianni was seen addressing him while covering his mouth with his shirt. The Brazilian temporarily left the field, causing a 10-minute stoppage. Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator following the match, which found Prestianni's conduct to be homophobic rather than racist.
Under Article 14 of Uefa's disciplinary regulations, such an offence typically carries a minimum 10-match ban. However, Prestianni's punishment was reduced to six matches, with three suspended for a two-year period. Having already served a one-game provisional ban, he may only sit out a further two European matches. The reduction is thought to be linked to his acceptance of guilt.
The incident has prompted calls for a rule change. Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently stated that any player covering their mouth to speak to an opponent should be sent off, saying: 'If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously.' The International Football Association Board is due to meet in Canada next week to further consider the matter.
Uefa has also announced it will ask Fifa to extend the suspension's remit to include international matches. If granted, this would mean the Argentina international would miss the first two games of the World Cup.
