UEFA Bans Benfica's Prestianni for Homophobic Slur

Gianluca Prestianni, a winger for Benfica, has been handed a six-match ban by UEFA for making a homophobic comment directed at Vinicius Jr. during a Champions League match. The incident occurred in February when Vinicius Jr. alerted the referee about the slur.

Although initial reports labeled Vinicius Jr. as racist, Prestianni denied this but later admitted to making a homophobic remark. The ban consists of two matches served immediately, with three matches deferred over a two-year period.

UEFA has requested FIFA to extend the ban worldwide, arguing that homophobia is not punished adequately compared to racism, which typically incurs a minimum ten-match ban. Benfica released a statement supporting Prestianni, while Vinicius Jr. expressed disappointment regarding the abuse and called for stricter regulations, including measures such as covering the mouth during disputes.

This incident has implications for Prestianni's club campaign in Argentina.