UEFA rejects Benfica’s appeal and confirms Pristiani’s absence from the match against Real Madrid

The European Football Association (UEFA) Appeals Committee rejected Benfica’s appeal against the temporary suspension of its player, Gianluca Pristiani, who was suspected of directing racist abuse during his team’s match against Real Madrid, which ended with the latter’s 1-1 victory.

The French newspaper L’Equipe reported that according to this decision, Pristiani will not participate in the return match, which will be held this Wednesday evening.

She added that Pristiani, whom UEFA decided to temporarily suspend after the first leg held last Tuesday, was hoping to participate in the return match in the Spanish capital, Madrid.

She indicated that the Portuguese club appealed against the penalty of the UEFA Disciplinary Committee, and requested that the suspension be suspended until the case is resolved.

But the UEFA Appeals Committee rejected this appeal on Wednesday afternoon.

Argentine player Brestiani is facing an accusation that he described Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior as a “monkey,” which will prevent him from participating in the return match for the Champions League Round of 16 qualifier.

L’Equipe concluded that a final decision will be issued in Pristiani’s case during the coming period, and that the Benfica player is now threatened with suspension for a period of no less than 10 matches.