UEFA Opens Investigation Into Benfica Player’s ‘Racist Abuse’ of Vinícius Jr.
European football’s governing body, Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), has launched an
official disciplinary investigation following allegations that Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was
subjected to racist abuse by a Benfica player during their Champions League play-off tie on 17 February
2026.
The probe centres on claims by Vinícius that Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni directed a racial slur at
him shortly after he scored the winning goal in Real Madrid’s 1–0 victory at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon,
Portugal.
The match was temporarily halted for about 10 minutes after Vinícius alerted referee François Letexier
to the incident, who then activated UEFA’s anti-racism protocol.
In a statement, UEFA confirmed that a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to
look into the allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the Champions League knockout play-off.
The governing body said the process will involve gathering evidence and official match reports, with
further information to be released in due course.
Prestianni, a 20-year-old Argentine international, has denied the accusations, posting on social media
that Vinícius misunderstood what he thought he heard and asserting that he never made racist
comments.
Benfica has also backed their player, saying they will cooperate with UEFA’s investigation and defending
his character.
Real Madrid players and staff, including Kylian Mbappé, supported Vinícius’s version of events, with
Mbappé saying he heard Prestianni use an offensive term during the exchange.
Under UEFA disciplinary regulations, a player found guilty of racist abuse could face a lengthy ban of at
least 10 matches or more depending on circumstances, though no decision has been made pending the
outcome of the investigation.
The second leg of the tie between Benfica and Real Madrid is scheduled for 25 February 2026 at the
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, with UEFA’s investigation ongoing as the controversy continues
to draw widespread attention across European football.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
