UEFA has officially confirmed the opening of an investigation into the incident involving Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior during the Champions League clash between Benfica and Real Madrid. The governing body, led by Aleksander Ceferin, aims to clarify the situation as quickly as possible.

“UEFA’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors have opened an investigation into a possible breach of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations,” UEFA stated.

“A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of discriminatory behavior during the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League knockout stage match between Club Benfica and Real Madrid CF on 17 February 2026. Further information on this matter will be provided in due course,” the statement added.

Article 14 of UEFA’s disciplinary code sets out severe sanctions if such conduct is proven. "Any entity or person subject to the regulations who insults the human dignity of an individual or group of individuals for any reason, including skin color, race, religion, origin, gender, or sexual orientation, shall be subject to a suspension of at least ten matches or for a specified period, or any other appropriate sanction," the regulation states.

The next phase of the procedure includes reviewing the report submitted by UEFA’s match delegate and initiating consultations that will involve statements from the two players concerned, Prestianni and Vinicius, as well as witnesses who have addressed the matter, including Mbappé.

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