UEFA releases statement amid racial abuse allegations involving Vinícius, Prestianni
Sport UEFA releases statement amid racial abuse allegations involving Vinícius, Prestianni Published on February 18, 2026 By Don Silas googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); UEFA has issued an official statement today in response to the racial abuse incident involving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Junior and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni. The European football governing body announced it is launching a formal investigation into claims that Vinicius was racially abused during the Champions League playoff Round of 16 playoffs first leg tie against Benfica. In their statement, UEFA said they have brought in an “Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector” to look into what happened during the encounter. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); Vinícius had claimed that Prestianni directed multiple racial insults towards him, while his teammate Kylian Mbappe corroborated by stating he heard the term ‘monkey’ aimed at Vinícius on five occasions. In response, Prestianni took to social media to refute the allegations, insisting that his words were misinterpreted. Don't Miss UCL: ‘World Cup you brag about was won by Messi’ – Sneijder slams Otamendi for showing off tattoo to Vinicius You may like UCL: Alan Shearer disagrees with ex-referee, Clattenburg over Vinicius’ racist claims against Prestianni UCL: Vinicius alleges racial slur Benfica’s Prestianni UCL: ‘Covering your mouth with shirt shows you’re weak’ – Vinicius slams Prestianni over racist comment UCL: ‘He said it five times’ – Mbappe reveals Prestianni’s comments to Vinicius Real Madrid vs Benfica: What I told Vinicius after he issued racism complaint – Mourinho He didn’t like to lose – Vinicius names Real Madrid legend he really misses