Benfica's Prestianni Faces Six-Match Ban for Homophobic Conduct, Impact on World Cup Prospects Looms
April 24, 2026
UEFA has handed SL Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban for suspected homophobic conduct toward Vinícius Júnior after Benfica’s Champions League playoff first leg with Real Madrid, with three of those matches suspended on a two-year probation and one already served.
The ruling specifies the nature of the misconduct and sets a two-year probation, meaning two additional matches would be suspended unless another offense occurs.
If extended worldwide, the sanction could bar Prestianni from upcoming World Cup activity and European qualifiers, given Argentina’s selection prospects and the two-game European ban.
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The reporting credited to Le Monde with AFP.
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Summary based on 29 sources
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Sources

The Athletic • Apr 24, 2026
UEFA bans Gianluca Prestianni over Vinicius Jr incident – but for homophobia, not racism
USA TODAY • Apr 24, 2026
UEFA bans Benfica player for homophobic conduct in game vs Real Madrid
The Guardian • Apr 24, 2026
Gianluca Prestianni hit with six-match ban for ‘homophobic conduct’ towards Vinícius Júnior