Gianluca Prestianni will not play for SL Benfica against Real Madrid in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie after being provisionally suspended by UEFA amid an ongoing investigation into a racism allegation involving Vinícius Júnior.
Benfica was officially notified of the temporary suspension on Friday, with the disciplinary measure taking effect immediately while UEFA continues to review the incident.
The case stems from the first leg of the tie at the Estádio da Luz on February 17, when Real Madrid defeated Benfica 1‑0. Video footage captured an on-field exchange between Prestianni and Vinícius after the Brazilian scored, during which Prestianni covered his mouth as he spoke. Vinícius subsequently reported to referee François Letexier that he had been subjected to a racist remark. The match was briefly halted while officials assessed the situation before resuming play.
UEFA immediately opened a formal probe, assigning an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to collect evidence, review match footage, and interview players, officials, and witnesses.
The investigation is ongoing, and UEFA has indicated that the disciplinary process will not conclude before the second-leg match in Madrid, prompting the provisional suspension of Prestianni to prevent potential escalation and ensure the integrity of the competition
Prestianni has denied the allegation, publicly stating that he never directed a racist comment at Vinícius and expressing regret over the negative attention and threats he has received since the incident. Real Madrid, however, has submitted evidence supporting Vinícius’s claims and stressed the importance of addressing discriminatory behavior in football.
If UEFA ultimately determines that Prestianni engaged in racist conduct, he could face severe sanctions under Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. Such penalties include a minimum 10-match suspension or a specified period of ineligibility, which would effectively rule him out of the remainder of the current European season and potentially beyond.
The incident has reignited the broader debate over racism in football. Vinícius has previously been targeted by racist abuse, and football authorities, players, and former professionals have called on UEFA to take decisive action.
The governing body’s handling of the case, including the provisional suspension and ongoing investigation, is likely to be closely scrutinized as European football continues to confront issues of discrimination and player safety.
