UEFA bans Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni for six matches

The UEFA disciplinary committee has imposed a six-match suspension on Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni for using homophobic language. The incident occurred during a Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid, where Vinicius Junior reported verbal abuse after scoring a goal. While early reports suggested the incident involved racist language, UEFA officially cited homophobic remarks as the basis for the punishment. Prestianni was previously suspended for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, and this new sanction follows an extended investigation. Reports indicate that UEFA may escalate the matter to FIFA to potentially bar the player from the upcoming World Cup. Benfica coach Jose Mourinho stated that the player's future at the club is in jeopardy due to the incident. The case has drawn significant international attention, including comments from Kylian Mbappe and Thierry Henry.