The verdict on Friday (April 24) came after Gianluca Prestianni was found guilty of discrimination during Benfica’s Champions League playoff clash in February.

UEFA bans Benfica's Prestianni for six games for discriminatory conduct during Real Madrid clash

The statement comes amid Benfica's Prestianni being investigated for alleged racial abuse towards Real Madrid's Vinicious Jr. The incident happend in Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League knockout playoff first leg match. FIFA WC 2026 which is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 19.

Football World Cup 2026 | 'To be sent off': FIFA boss Infantino on players covering mouth during argument in tournament

Mourinho had initially blamed Vini Jr for insitgating crowd during the Benfica v Real Madrid UCL knockout playoff match. Prestianni is currently under UEFA investigation & upon completion of probe by an ethics & disciplinary inspector, further punishment is possible, if proven guilty.

Champions League | Prestianni risks 'losing career' with Benifca if racism charges against Viini Jr proven

If found guilty of racism under UEFA's disciplinary code, the 19-year-old Argentinian could face a ban of up to 10 matches.

Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over alleged racism incident towards Real Madrid's Vinicius

Benfica says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts. Prestianni, in a statement on social media, denied charges and wrote: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius.”

Champions League | 'Never been racist': Prestianni on racism claims against Vinicius Jr as Benfica releases video in support

gianluca-prestianni

Gianluca Prestianni, News on Gianluca Prestianni, stories on Gianluca Prestianni, articles on Gianluca Prestianni, Gianluca Prestianni stories at Wion, Gianluca Prestianni news, Gianluca Prestianni latest news

gianluca prestianni

UEFA bans Benfica's Prestianni for six games for discriminatory conduct during Real Madrid clash

Football WC 2026 | FIFA boss wants players covering mouth during feud 'sent off'

UCL| Prestianni risks 'losing career' with Benifca if racism charges proven

Benfica winger Prestianni handed provisional ban by UEFA over racism incident

UCL | WATCH - Benfica shares video to deny Vinicius Jr's racism claim