diff --git a/hw/pci/pcie_sriov.c b/hw/pci/pcie_sriov.c
index f1993bc553..db087bb933 100644
--- a/hw/pci/pcie_sriov.c
+++ b/hw/pci/pcie_sriov.c
@@ -93,6 +93,8 @@ bool pcie_sriov_pf_init(PCIDevice *dev, uint16_t offset,
         vf->exp.sriov_vf.vf_number = i;
 
         if (!qdev_realize(&vf->qdev, bus, errp)) {
+            object_unparent(OBJECT(vf));
+            object_unref(vf);
             unparent_vfs(dev, i);
             return false;
         }