Prestiani case: UEFA strikes, Benfica announces immediate appeal
Prestiani/ @x.com/brfootball
Just hours before the decisive second leg of the Champions League play-offs, SL Benfica find themselves at the center of a disciplinary storm. UEFA has decided to temporarily suspend young Argentine attacking midfielder Gianluca Prestani for one match.
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The measure is part of an ongoing investigation following allegations that Real Madrid striker Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racist insults during last week’s first leg.
According to Portuguese daily A Bola, the temporary suspension was officially notified to the Lisbon club on Monday. As a result, Prestani will not take part in the match against Real Madrid pending the final outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
Benfica official response
SL Benfica have been informed of the decision by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to impose a provisional one-match suspension on their player Gianluca Prestianni as part of an ongoing investigation into an incident during the Real Madrid match. The club regrets being deprived of the player’s services during the investigation and has announced its intention to appeal the decision to the relevant UEFA authorities. However, it clarified that the procedural deadline will have no impact on the second leg of the Champions League play-offs. Benfica reaffirms its strong and unwavering commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination. These values are an integral part of its historical identity and are reflected in the daily actions of the international community through the Benfica Foundation, as well as in the legacy left by club icons such as Eusebio.