UEFA has officially launched a formal disciplinary investigation into allegations of racial abuse directed at Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior during Tuesday's heated Champions League clash against Benfica. The inquiry centers on an incident involving Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, whom Vinícius accused of using a racial slur following Madrid's 1-0 victory at the Estádio da Luz. The controversy halted play for over 10 minutes and has ignited a fresh firestorm regarding the soccer racism scandal plaguing European football.
UEFA Opens Disciplinary Proceedings
In a statement released Wednesday morning, UEFA confirmed the appointment of an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to conduct a thorough investigation under Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. The governing body is acting swiftly after the Vinicius Junior racism investigation became the focal point of the Champions League knockout stage.
"Information regarding this matter will be made available in due course," the statement read, signaling that the organization is treating the allegations with high priority. If found guilty of discriminatory behavior under Article 14, Prestianni could face a minimum suspension of 10 matches, a ban that would effectively end his European campaign and significantly impact Real Madrid vs Benfica 2026 second-leg preparations.
The Incident at Estádio da Luz
The flashpoint occurred in the 50th minute, moments after Vinícius scored the match's only goal with a curling finish. During his celebration near the corner flag, the Brazilian forward was confronted by Prestianni. Television footage showed the 20-year-old Argentine covering his mouth while speaking to Vinícius, a gesture the Real Madrid star immediately flagged to French referee Francois Letexier.
Visibly incensed, Vinícius refused to continue playing, prompting Letexier to activate Step 1 of the UEFA anti-racism protocol. The match was paused for over 10 minutes as Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa and his squad threatened to walk off the pitch. The game eventually resumed, but the atmosphere remained toxic, with tensions boiling over between the two dugouts.
"Racists are Cowards": Vinicius Breaks Silence
Post-match, Vinícius took to Instagram to condemn the alleged abuse. "Racists are, above all, cowards. They need to cover their mouths with shirts to show how weak they are," the 25-year-old wrote. He expressed frustration with the recurring nature of these incidents, stating, "Nothing that happened today is new in my life."
Mbappe and Arbeloa Stand Firm
Support for Vinícius has been swift and absolute from the Madrid camp. Captain Kylian Mbappe offered a damning testimony in the mixed zone, claiming to have heard the slur himself. "I heard it. There are Benfica players that also heard it," Mbappe told reporters. "This guy [Prestianni] doesn't deserve to play in the Champions League again. We cannot accept this behavior in 2026."
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa also backed his player, revealing that the team was ready to abandon the match. "Tolerance for racism must be zero," Arbeloa stated. "I asked Vini if he wanted to continue. We are with him to the end. The protocol is there, but the insults must stop."
Benfica and Mourinho Deny Wrongdoing
On the other side, Benfica has vehemently denied the accusations. In a chaotic post-match press conference, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho—who was sent off late in the game for dissent—defended his player and criticized Vinícius's conduct.
"Gianluca told me he said nothing racist. It was a normal provocation between players," Mourinho insisted. "When you score a goal like that, you celebrate in a respectful way. Vinicius incited the crowd." Prestianni also issued a denial via social media, claiming his words were a "misunderstanding" and that he has "never been racist toward anyone."
What’s Next for the Champions League Tie?
As UEFA disciplinary proceedings begin, the focus shifts to the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu on February 25. With a 1-0 advantage, Real Madrid is in the driver's seat, but the availability of Prestianni remains uncertain pending UEFA's ruling. This incident serves as a grim reminder that despite years of campaigns, the soccer racism scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the sport's biggest stages.
