Uefa has provisionally suspended Benfica forward Gianluca Prestianni following allegations that he racially abused Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during last week’s Champions League playoff first leg in Lisbon. The decision, announced ahead of Wednesday’s return fixture at the Santiago Bernabéu, has intensified scrutiny on both clubs and heightened tensions surrounding the tie.
The suspension is pending the outcome of an ethics and disciplinary investigation launched by Uefa. Officials confirmed that the provisional ban does not prejudge the final ruling but ensures the player will not feature in the second leg. Benfica has appealed against the decision, though the club admitted the timelines involved make it unlikely that Prestianni will be reinstated in time for the Madrid clash.
Allegations of racist abuse emerged after Vinícius accused Prestianni of directing insults at him during Madrid’s 1-0 victory in Lisbon. The incident caused a ten-minute delay in the match, with Madrid players threatening to walk off the pitch. Kylian Mbappé later claimed that Prestianni repeatedly called Vinícius a monkey. Vinícius himself did not speak publicly after the game but posted a strong message on Instagram condemning racism, describing perpetrators as “cowards” who hide behind their shirts. Prestianni, however, denied the accusations, insisting that his words were misunderstood and that he did not use racist language.
Benfica has expressed regret at losing the player during such a crucial stage of the competition but reaffirmed its commitment to combating racism and discrimination. The club emphasized its historical values, citing the Benfica Foundation and figures such as Eusébio as examples of its stance against prejudice. At the same time, Benfica suggested that Prestianni was the victim of a smear campaign, signaling its defensive posture in the controversy.
Manager José Mourinho, who is serving a touchline ban after being sent off in the first leg, will not attend the pre-match press conference in Madrid. Instead, assistant coach João Tralhão will handle media duties. Mourinho’s absence adds another layer of tension to Benfica’s preparations, as the club faces both disciplinary challenges and competitive pressure ahead of the decisive fixture.
The case underscores Uefa’s serious approach to racism allegations, reflecting its investigative tone and commitment to disciplinary procedures. Real Madrid and Vinícius have taken a condemnatory stance, demanding accountability and stronger measures against discrimination. Benfica, meanwhile, has adopted a defensive position, appealing the suspension while publicly supporting its player. The controversy has created a tense and controversial atmosphere, with the outcome of Uefa’s investigation likely to have significant implications for both Prestianni’s career and Benfica’s reputation.
