Benfica, Prestianni in trouble? Possible punishments if Vinicius racism claim is true

UEFA have opened an investigation into allegations that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni racially abused Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in Lisbon. If proven guilty, both player and club could face heavy disciplinary sanctions.

Benfica and Gianluca Prestianni are facing the possibility of serious disciplinary action after UEFA opened an investigation into allegations of racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr during Tuesday’s Champions League clash in Lisbon.

The first leg at the Stadium of Light was stopped for close to 10 minutes after Vinicius alerted referee Francois Letexier to an alleged discriminatory remark. UEFA’s anti-racism protocol was triggered, and Real Madrid players briefly stepped away from the field before play eventually continued.

This is what happened between Vincius Jr and Prestianni.He scored an absolute banger, he went to celebrate it, got booked, and then the Argentine Prestianni was pissed and reacted by covering his mouth to racially insult him. pic.twitter.com/Iv7tcFvAeQ— 10 (@Kylian) February 17, 2026

For Vinicius, it was another disturbing episode in a career that has too often been marred by incidents of abuse. The Brazilian, one of football’s most high-profile stars, has repeatedly been forced into confronting racism on and off the pitch.

“Racists are, above all, cowards,” Vinicius posted later on Instagram, as the incident reignited anger and debate across European football.

Prestianni has rejected the accusation, maintaining that no racist insult was directed at Vinicius and that the situation has been misinterpreted. Benfica have also rallied behind their young forward, claiming he is being targeted through what they described as a “defamation campaign.”