Benfica’s Prestianni Suspended by UEFA After Racism Accusation by Vinícius Júnior

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica’s Argentinian player, Gianluca Prestianni, following accusations of racism leveled against him by Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during the first leg of their Champions League playoff match on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The suspension means Prestianni will be ineligible for the return match at the Santiago Bernabéu next Wednesday.

The Incident and Immediate Response

The allegations stem from an incident following Vinicius Junior’s goal at Estádio da Luz. After scoring, Vinicius Junior celebrated near Benfica supporters, which led to a yellow card from the referee, François Letexier. Vinicius Junior then reported to officials that Prestianni had allegedly called him “mono” – the Spanish word for “monkey” – while covering his mouth.

Did You Know? The referee activated the anti-racism protocol, pausing the match for approximately ten minutes while the situation unfolded on the field.

UEFA’s decision to suspend Prestianni was prompted by a request from its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) following an investigation into the alleged discriminatory behavior, a potential violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR). Currently, the suspension only applies to the upcoming Champions League match.

Club and UEFA Statements

Benfica has expressed regret over being without Prestianni for the crucial return leg and has announced its intention to appeal the UEFA decision, though the club acknowledges the tight timeframe may limit the practical impact of the appeal. Benfica reaffirmed its “unwavering commitment in the fight against any form of racism or discrimination.”

In an official statement, UEFA clarified that this provisional suspension does not preclude further disciplinary action following the completion of the ongoing investigation. The CEDB will consider all evidence and may solicit testimony from those involved.

Expert Insight: Provisional suspensions in cases of alleged discrimination demonstrate UEFA’s commitment to addressing such issues swiftly, even while a full investigation is underway. This approach aims to send a clear message that discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated within the competition.

Kylian Mbappé has reportedly stated he overheard Prestianni use the alleged slur five times.

What Happens Next?

The UEFA investigation will likely involve gathering further evidence and potentially interviewing both Prestianni and Vinicius Junior, as well as any witnesses. Depending on the findings, the CEDB could impose a range of sanctions on Prestianni, potentially extending the suspension beyond a single match. Benfica could face further scrutiny if the investigation reveals a broader issue within the club. It is also possible that no further action will be taken if the investigation does not substantiate the allegations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the UEFA investigation?

The investigation was opened following allegations made by Vinicius Junior that Gianluca Prestianni used racist language towards him during a Champions League match.

What is the immediate consequence of the suspension for Prestianni?

Prestianni is ineligible to play in Benfica’s upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu.

What is Benfica’s response to the suspension?

Benfica has expressed regret over the suspension and announced its intention to appeal the decision to UEFA.

How will incidents like this shape the future of addressing racism in football?