What punishment could Gianluca Prestianni face if found guilty

UEFA officially announced an investigation to determine the events involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior during the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid. UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin’s organization is eager to resolve the matter quickly.

“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behaviour during the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 knock-out play-off match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026. Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course,” UEFA said in a brief statement.

Harsh penalties if proven

UEFA’s disciplinary code is clear: severe sanctions apply if discriminatory behavior is proven. Article 14 states: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”

The process now involves reviewing the match report from UEFA’s official observer, followed by consultations that will include statements from the two players involved - Prestianni and Vinicius - as well as witnesses who have spoken publicly, including Kylian Mbappé.

Benfica stands by Prestianni

Following UEFA’s announcement, Benfica released a statement saying the club will cooperate fully and continues to support Prestianni’s version of events. “Benfica welcomes the measures announced today by UEFA in the spirit of total collaboration, transparency, openness, and clarity, following the alleged racist incident during the match against Real Madrid. The club reaffirms, clearly and unequivocally, its historic and unwavering commitment to defending the values of equality, respect, and inclusion, which are fundamental to its foundation and of which Eusébio is the greatest symbol,” the club said.

“Benfica reaffirms its unwavering support for the version of events presented by player Gianluca Prestianni, whose conduct at the club has always been guided by respect for opponents, institutions, and the principles defining Benfica’s identity. The club deplores the smear campaign against the player,” the statement concluded.

Why a decision could be reached soon

The fact that the second leg between Benfica and Real Madrid is scheduled for next week could speed up the investigation. Last season, UEFA also opened a case via its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee during a match involving Madrid, this time in the round of 16 against Atlético, investigating Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, and Dani Ceballos.

In that case, the verdict came ten days later: a suspended one-match ban for the German and French players and fines for all three. The decision arrived three days before Madrid’s next Champions League match against Arsenal, allowing everyone to play.

With only a week between matches this time, the process may be accelerated. UEFA also treats potential acts of racism with extreme seriousness, maintaining a long history of strict enforcement against such behavior.

Four years in prison for hate crimes

The Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) is also engaged in the case. According to AS, the union has sent a letter to UEFA requesting a full investigation and, if warranted, sanctions against the Benfica player. AFE emphasizes that these incidents should be treated as hate crimes under Article 510 of the Spanish Penal Code, which can carry penalties ranging from fines to one to four years in prison.