The Champions League knockout stage is already heating up, and now there’s a full-blown controversy before the second-leg playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica. On Monday, February 23, UEFA’s disciplinary committee handed Benfica’s 20-year-old winger Gianluca Prestianni a provisional one-match suspension. He’s being investigated for allegedly hurling racial slurs at Vinicius Junior during the first leg in Lisbon.
Adding more to the drama, Benfica’s head coach, Jose Mourinho, has flat-out refused to face the media, using a loophole in the rules to dodge reporters after his post-match remarks about Vinicius’s goal celebrations sparked major backlash.
🚨 BREAKING: Gianluca Prestianni will NOT play against Real Madrid, suspended by UEFA.
Provisional suspension has been notified to Benfica today while investigation for the racism case with Vinicius Jr continues. pic.twitter.com/RCkasEyuEL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2026
UEFA Hands Gianluca Prestianni One-Match Ban Over Alleged Racism
UEFA suspended Gianluca Prestianni after their Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector released an interim report. The trouble started in the 50th minute of the first leg at Estádio da Luz, right after Vinicius Jr scored the winner. As per Vinicius, Prestianni called him a “monkey,” and Kylian Mbappé backed him up, insisting he heard Prestianni repeat the slur five times.
🚨 UEFA statement on Prestianni case.
“Following the appointment of a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector (EDI) 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… pic.twitter.com/H1ISOHv2iw
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 23, 2026
Prestianni denies using racist language—he admits to a homophobic slur, according to some reports, but UEFA says there’s enough evidence for a case under Article 14. If investigators confirm he’s guilty, Prestianni gets at least a 10-match ban. Benfica says they’ll appeal the suspension, but honestly, they don’t expect any decision before Wednesday’s game.
Jose Mourinho Will Not Speak To Press: The UEFA Loophole Explained
In a typical rebellious gesture, Jose Mourinho decided not to do any media work at the Santiago Bernabeu. Mourinho is effectively using UEFA Article 79. 04 after being given a touchline ban following his sending off in the first leg.
This loophole permits a coach who is under suspension to pass on the press duties to an assistant, so Joao Tralhao has to endure the media heat while “The Special One” is kept away from any more scandal over his remarks about Vinicius Jr.
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