UEFA has handed Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban for discriminatory conduct directed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during a Champions League knockout play-off match in Lisbon on February 17.

Vinicius had alleged he was racially abused during the tie, but UEFA's investigation concluded that the conduct was homophobic in nature rather than racist. It was reported in February that Prestianni himself told UEFA investigators he had used a homophobic slur.

How the ban breaks down

Of the six-match suspension, three matches are suspended for a two-year period. Prestianni also served one match as a provisional suspension in February, which counts toward the total. That means, provided he does not trigger the suspended portion of the ban, he faces only two additional games on the sidelines.

UEFA has also requested that FIFA extend the punishment worldwide, potentially preventing Prestianni from playing in any federation's competitions during the active ban.

A flashpoint that halted the game

The incident itself caused significant disruption during the February fixture. Vinicius walked off the field and refused to return after Prestianni's comments, bringing play to a standstill for 10 minutes. UEFA appointed an ethics and disciplinary investigator in the immediate aftermath, and the conclusions of that inquiry have now resulted in this punishment.

Possible rule changes on the horizon

The case may have wider consequences for how football governs on-field discrimination. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is scheduled to meet in Canada next week, ahead of FIFA Congress, to consider rule changes concerning players who cover their mouths when speaking to opponents during confrontations.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino weighed in on the subject last month, speaking to Sky News.