Lisbon – Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni is contemplating legal action against Real Madrid’s Vinicius Júnior and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé following a provisional suspension from UEFA related to allegations of racial abuse during a Champions League match. Prestianni is filing a complaint alleging defamation, claiming the accusations have damaged his reputation.
The controversy stems from the Champions League play-off first leg between Benfica and Real Madrid on February 17, 2026, at Estádio da Luz. Vinicius Júnior reported alleged racist abuse to the referee after scoring the game’s only goal. Mbappé subsequently claimed he overheard Prestianni repeatedly using a racial slur – specifically, the word “monkey” – directed at Vinicius Júnior. Real Madrid formally reported the incident to UEFA, prompting an investigation.
UEFA has provisionally suspended Prestianni for one match, ruling him ineligible for the second leg against Real Madrid on February 26, 2026. Benfica has appealed the suspension, arguing against the initial ruling. The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation, as reported by The Independent.
Prestianni vehemently denies the allegations of racism, asserting that he used a homophobic slur – “homo” – and not a racial epithet, as claimed by Vinicius Júnior and corroborated by Mbappé. According to reports from GiveMeSport, Prestianni intends to pursue legal action against both Vinicius Júnior and Mbappé with UEFA, FIFA, and the Portuguese judicial system.
🚨 BREAKING: Prestianni is considering filing a complaint against Vini Jr and Mbappé with UEFA, FIFA, and the Portuguese criminal justice system for DEFAMATION. @marcosbenito9 https://t.co/t6oC7bPeue
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) February 23, 2026
Prestianni’s legal team believes a successful challenge to the UEFA investigation’s findings could pave the way for a defamation lawsuit. He is seeking not only to clear his name but also to pursue financial compensation and a public apology from both Vinicius Júnior and Mbappé. The key to Prestianni’s legal strategy hinges on the final outcome of UEFA’s investigation, as detailed in Sports Illustrated.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation of racism in football. Kylian Mbappé has been particularly vocal, calling for severe punishment for Prestianni, stating, “Prestianni should never play in the Champions League again,” as reported by MSN. José Mourinho, Benfica’s manager, has also weighed in, blaming Vinicius Júnior’s celebration for inciting the reaction from Benfica players.
The investigation is ongoing, and UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has indicated a “prima facie violation” of Article 14 of the governing body’s Disciplinary Regulations, which addresses insults to human dignity based on factors like race. This initial finding led to the provisional suspension, but a definitive ruling is still pending.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for how UEFA handles allegations of racism in the future. The focus now shifts to the final report from UEFA investigators and the potential for further legal proceedings. The second leg of the Champions League play-off between Real Madrid and Benfica on February 26th will be played under a cloud of controversy, with the broader issue of racism in football remaining a central concern.
As the investigation continues, all parties involved await UEFA’s final decision, which will determine the next steps in this complex and sensitive case. The football community will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and respect.
