Table of Contents
Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni Temporarily Suspended by UEFA Amid Racism Allegations
UEFA has taken immediate action by provisionally suspending Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of the upcoming Champions League second-leg clash against Real Madrid. This decision follows accusations that Prestianni directed racist remarks at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during their recent encounter.
Incident Overview: Alleged Racial Abuse During First Leg
During the tightly contested first leg, which ended 1-0 in favor of Real Madrid, Vinícius Júnior claimed that Prestianni used racially offensive language towards him after scoring the decisive goal. The incident reportedly occurred as Vinícius celebrated near Benfica’s corner flag, a moment that visibly upset several Benfica players, including Prestianni.
Adding weight to the allegations, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé also stated that he overheard the abusive language directed at Vinícius. However, sources close to the investigation revealed to ESPN that Prestianni admitted to UEFA officials that his insult was an “anti-gay” slur rather than a racial one.
Consequences and UEFA’s Disciplinary Process
As a result of the ongoing inquiry, Prestianni will be sidelined for the second leg of the fixture while UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) conducts a thorough investigation. Should the allegations of racial discrimination be substantiated, Prestianni could face a suspension extending up to 10 matches under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations.
UEFA’s official statement clarified the provisional nature of the suspension: “Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine claims of discriminatory conduct during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knockout playoff between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has provisionally suspended Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible, due to a prima facie breach of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations concerning discriminatory behavior.”
The statement further emphasized that this suspension does not preclude additional sanctions pending the final outcome of the investigation, with further updates to be provided in due course.
Context and Broader Implications
Incidents of discriminatory behavior in football continue to draw significant attention worldwide, with governing bodies like UEFA intensifying efforts to combat racism and promote inclusivity. According to UEFA’s 2025 report, disciplinary actions related to discriminatory offenses have increased by 15% compared to the previous season, reflecting a growing intolerance for such conduct.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by players and organizations in maintaining respect and fairness on the pitch. It also underscores the importance of swift and transparent disciplinary measures to uphold the integrity of the sport.
