Benfica pledge UEFA cooperation after Prestianni and Vinicius Jr. incident in Champions League play-off | OneFootball

Benfica issued a statement on Wednesday, 18 February, after controversy during the Champions League play-off against Real Madrid at Estádio da Luz, saying it will fully cooperate with UEFA over an alleged racist incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr.

The statement pledged transparent cooperation with procedures announced by UEFA that day to clarify events on the pitch. It added that the Argentine has already responded to the accusations.

The club reaffirmed its historic and uncompromising commitment to equality, respect and inclusion, values rooted in its foundation and symbolised by Eusébio.

Benfica also reiterated full support for Prestianni’s version of events, highlighting his consistent respect for opponents, institutions and the principles that define the club’s identity, and lamented a defamation campaign against the player.

The announcement comes as UEFA reviews the match officials’ reports from the game. Based on material submitted by referee François Letexier, European football’s governing body will decide whether to open an investigation.

Source: Glorioso 1904