UEFA opens investigation into alleged racist insult from Prestianni towards Vinícius | OneFootball

UEFA confirmed it has opened an investigation into an alleged racist insult by Prestianni towards Vinícius during Benfica’s Champions League first leg against Real Madrid on 17 February 2026, and has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector.

The inspector will first review the match delegate’s report, then take statements from the two players and nearby witnesses, including Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga.

If the insult is proven, Prestianni could face severe punishment. Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary code sets a minimum 10-match suspension for discriminatory abuse, or a time-based ban, with other sanctions possible.

Time is tight with the return at the Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday. Last season a similar case in the Atlético against Real Madrid tie took 10 days, with a verdict three days before the second leg that brought one-match bans for Antonio Rüdiger and Kylian Mbappé and fines, including for Dani Ceballos.

Benfica has publicly backed Prestianni, who has denied insulting the Brazilian on social media, and reiterated its commitment to equality, respect and inclusion, citing Eusébio as a symbol of those values.

Mbappé has maintained he personally heard the slur five times. The club has also circulated video footage arguing the Real Madrid players were too far away to hear what they claim was said, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has expressed shock and sadness, calling for accountability and stressing there is no place for racism.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo