Inside UEFA probe as Benfica star faces 10-MATCH ban after Vinicius racism claim

UEFA have announced an official investigation into claims that Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League

Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni will be interviewed after UEFA launched a full-scale investigation against him. And the Argentina international could face a 10-MATCH BAN if he is found guilty of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.

UEFA were quick to act by appointing an inspector to look at the case surrounding the shocking scenes in Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off against Benfica. The game was suspended for 10 minutes after Vinicius complained to referee Francois Letexier that Prestianni had used a racial slur.

Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt, then made a remark and Vinicius stormed off the pitch amid chaotic scenes in Lisbon. It is alleged that the Brazil star was called a “monkey” after celebrating his goal.

The UEFA investigation will also speak to Vinicius, his team mates – including Kylian Mbappe who said he heard the remarks – and all players near the incident. They are still cases which are difficult to prove. But the investigation is almost certainly likely to take at least two weeks and means therefore the players will come up against each other in the second leg in Madrid next week.

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READ MORE: Furious Rio Ferdinand calls out Jose Mourinho over Vinicius Jr comments – ‘It’s crazy’READ MORE: Benfica player accused of Vinicius Jr racism breaks silence as club release unseen video

There is precedent because the last high profile similar incident saw Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela banned for 10 matches after racially abusing Rangers star Glen Kamara in a Europa League tie. Kudela did initially appeal but later dropped his case while Kamara also got a ban for allegedly assaulting the Slavia Prague player in the tunnel afterwards.

UEFA investigations often take some time to start but European football’s governing body have moved quickly as clearly this case is so high profile and has caught so much attention.

Vinicius wrote on social media: “Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to put their shirts in their mouths to show how weak they are. But they have the protection of others who, theoretically, have an obligation to punish them. Nothing that happened today is new in my life or in my team’s life.

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“I received a yellow card for celebrating a goal. I still don’t understand why. On the other hand, it was just a poorly executed protocol that served no purpose.”

Prestianni, 20, denied directing racial abuse to Vinicius Jr in a post on his social media. He said: “I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults to Vini Jr, who regrettably misunderstood what he thought he heard.”

UEFA said in a statement: “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course.”

Meanwhile, Benfica boss Jose Mourinho – who suggested that Vinicius Junior incited the trouble with his celebration – will be banned from the return tie next week after being sent off. However, Mourinho will be allowed in the stadium but not allowed on the touchline.

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