UEFA’s Appeals Body has dismissed Benfica’s appeal against a provisional one-match suspension for winger Gianluca Prestianni. The decision was issued shortly before Benfica’s Champions League second leg at the Bernabéu, so the ban will apply to that match and bench Prestianni for the return tie.
Appeal decision and immediate impact
The provisional suspension followed allegations made by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr during the first-leg meeting in Lisbon, a match that was halted for 10 minutes. Referee Francois Letexier was informed during play, and Real Madrid won the tie 1-0; Vinicius received a yellow card for his celebration.
Benfica lodged an appeal but accepted it was unlikely to be overturned before the return match. Prestianni trained at the Bernabéu while the appeal was pending and has denied the accusation.
Investigation and potential consequences
UEFA says there was sufficient material to establish a prima facie case and a formal ethics and disciplinary inquiry is under way. The full inquiry’s outcome is not yet known and could lead to further sanctions, which remains a possibility at this stage.
Separately, Jose Mourinho is banned from the return match after being sent off in Lisbon. The ruling changes immediate team selection for Benfica and leaves the wider disciplinary process open.
