Benfica’s Prestianni Suspended Pending Investigation into Allegations Against Vinicius Jr.

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni pending a full investigation into allegations of discriminatory behavior directed towards Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during their Champions League match on February 17, 2026.

Swift Action from European Football’s Governing Body

The suspension comes after UEFA opened a disciplinary case against Prestianni just 16 hours after the incident at Estadio da Luz. UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary inspector determined there is a prima facie case against the Argentina international, meaning the initial evidence supports the charge of using discriminatory language.

Precedent for Interim Bans

While unusual to issue a ban before a full ruling, UEFA has precedent for such action. In 2021, Ondrej Kudela of Slavia Prague received a one-game interim ban following accusations of racially abusing Rangers’ Glen Kamara. Kudela was later banned for 10 games after UEFA found the case proven.

“Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour… the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) today decided to provisionally suspend Mr. Gianluca Prestianni for the next (1) UEFA club competition match…”

UEFA Official Statement

Details of the Incident and Prestianni’s Testimony

The incident occurred shortly after Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the first leg playoff match. Vinicius alerted the referee to alleged abuse, leading to a 10-minute stoppage. Prestianni reportedly covered his mouth with his shirt while interacting with Vinicius.

Sources indicate Prestianni has provided testimony to UEFA, stating he used an anti-gay slur in Spanish, rather than a racial slur. He reportedly told investigators he said m——, rather than mono (Spanish for monkey). Aurélien Tchouaméni of Real Madrid reportedly stated Prestianni offered this explanation when confronted after the game.

Real Madrid’s Response

Real Madrid has submitted a dossier of all available evidence to UEFA as part of the probe. Kylian Mbappé claimed he personally heard Prestianni racially abuse Vinicius five times, and other Benfica players reportedly also overheard the alleged abuse.

FAQ

• What is the nature of Prestianni’s suspension? It is a provisional suspension, meaning it is in effect pending the outcome of a full investigation.
• What prompted the investigation? Allegations of discriminatory behavior towards Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match.
• What has Prestianni claimed? He has stated he used an anti-gay slur, not a racial slur.

This is a developing story. 247sports.news will continue to provide updates as they become available.

Did you recognize? UEFA issued an interim one-game ban to Ondrej Kudela in a similar situation in 2021, demonstrating a consistent approach to addressing allegations of discrimination.

What are your thoughts on UEFA’s swift action? Share your opinions in the comments below!