Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended by UEFA following serious allegations of racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. The suspension stems from an incident during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 Knock-out Play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on February 17, 2026.
UEFA's Official Statement and Investigation
In a formal statement released on February 23, 2026, UEFA confirmed the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate the allegations of discriminatory behavior. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) decided to provisionally suspend Prestianni for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible.
The decision is based on a prima facie violation of Article 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which pertains to discriminatory behavior. UEFA emphasized that this provisional suspension is without prejudice to any final ruling that may be made after the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
Context and Broader Implications
This case highlights UEFA's ongoing efforts to combat racism in football, particularly in high-profile competitions like the Champions League. Vinicius Junior has previously been a target of racial abuse, drawing attention to systemic issues within the sport.
The investigation is expected to continue, with further submissions to UEFA disciplinary bodies pending. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how similar cases are handled in European football.
As the situation develops, stakeholders across the football community are closely monitoring the proceedings. The provisional suspension underscores UEFA's commitment to addressing discriminatory incidents swiftly and decisively.
