Rabat – Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended by UEFA for Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid.
The decision follows allegations that he racially abused Vinicius Junior during the first leg in Lisbon last week.
UEFA said its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector opened an investigation after Vinicius reported the incident. Based on an interim report, the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body imposed a provisional one-match ban on Prestianni for discriminatory behavior under Article 14 of its regulations.
The body stressed the suspension is temporary and does not prejudge the outcome of the case.
🚨 BREAKING: Gianluca Prestianni will NOT play against Real Madrid, suspended by UEFA.
Provisional suspension has been notified to Benfica today while investigation for the racism case with Vinicius Jr continues. pic.twitter.com/RCkasEyuEL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2026
Benfica confirmed it will appeal but admitted the timing makes it unlikely the player will be cleared in time. In a statement, the club said it regretted losing Prestianni while the investigation is ongoing, but reaffirmed its “commitment to combating racism and discrimination,” citing its history and figures such as Eusebio.
The incident in question
The incident occurred after Vinicius scored in the 50th minute and celebrated in front of Benfica fans. Referee Francois Letexier stopped the match for eight minutes under FIFA’s anti-racism protocol.
Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe later claimed he heard Prestianni repeat a racist insult “five times,” calling Vinicius a “monkey.” Prestianni denied the accusation on Instagram, saying Vinicius misunderstood him. Benfica also backed their player’s version.
Benfica coach Jose Mourinho suggested that Vinicius Jr provoked the incident, defending Benfica supporters and pointing out that the club’s legend Eusebio was Black.
His remarks drew criticism. Anti-racism group Kick It Out described them as “gaslighting,” while Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany called Mourinho’s comments “a huge mistake.”
Benfica announced Mourinho will not speak before the second leg, with assistant Joao Tralhao taking the press conference.
UEFA rules set a minimum 10-match ban for racist conduct, usually accompanied by awareness programs run by the club. If the allegations are upheld, Prestianni could face a much longer suspension.
Vinicius has faced repeated racist abuse in Spain. Last May, five fans received suspended prison sentences for chants against him during a match with Valladolid.
Earlier this month, Albacete apologized after a banana was thrown at him in a Copa del Rey tie.
On Saturday, during Madrid’s defeat at Osasuna, footage appeared to show home fans chanting “Vinicius, die.” La Liga said it is investigating.
The case adds to growing pressure on UEFA and Spanish football authorities to take stronger action against racism, with Vinicius continuing to be a central figure in the fight against discrimination.
