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UEFA suspended Gianluca Prestianni for Benfica’s Champions League play-off against Real Madrid after allegations of racist abuse toward Vinícius Júnior.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr protesting to the referee after being subjected to allegedly racist comments from Benfica’s Prestianni (AFP)
UEFA has suspended Gianluca Prestianni for Benfica’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid following allegations of racist abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior.
In a statement, UEFA said its disciplinary body had ‘decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible’ as it continues to investigate the alleged incident from last week’s first leg.
“Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, and upon request of the EDI with an interim report, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible for the prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) related to a discriminatory behaviour,” the statement said.
Vinícius, who scored the goal separating the sides, reported the alleged racist abuse to the referee after celebrating, leading to a stoppage of around 10 minutes.
“This is without prejudice to any ruling that the UEFA disciplinary bodies may subsequently make following the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and its respective submission to the UEFA disciplinary bodies,” the statement added.
The suspension means Prestianni will miss Wednesday’s return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Benfica are seeking to overturn a 1-0 deficit and reach the last 16.
If found guilty, the 20-year-old faces a minimum 10-match suspension under UEFA regulations. Prestianni has denied the accusation and insists he did not racially abuse the Real Madrid forward. Footage from the match showed the pair exchanging words, with the Benfica midfielder covering his mouth with his shirt.
The incident prompted sharp criticism from Real Madrid players. Striker Kylian Mbappé had said Prestianni ‘doesn’t deserve to play in the Champions League anymore’.
February 23, 2026, 21:03 IST
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