FIFA President Expresses Outrage Over Racist Attacks Targeting Real Madrid Star Vinicius Junior
Within a day of Vinicius Junior's complaint that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni directed racist abuse toward him, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino released a statement backing the Real Madrid forward and demanding UEFA "hold those responsible" to account.
Real Madrid's narrow 1–0 victory against Benfica in the Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg escalated beyond a simple football encounter when Prestianni reportedly made racially charged remarks to Vinicius Jr following the Brazilian's match-winning strike.
Play was halted when referee François Letexier activated UEFA's anti-racism procedures, although no immediate penalties were issued during the game or shortly after the final whistle. UEFA has already confirmed they are "examining" the situation, which will decide whether "disciplinary measures" will be applied.
Infantino has now entered the discussion with a forceful statement demanding action.
Infantino: FIFA Shows 'Solidarity' to Vinicius Jr
Infantino: FIFA Shows 'Solidarity' to Vinicius Jr
"I was appalled and deeply troubled to witness the reported racist incident involving Vinicius Junior during the UEFA Champions League fixture between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF," Infantino stated on Wednesday.
"Racism has absolutely no place in our sport or in society—we require all relevant parties to take decisive action and ensure accountability for those responsible.
"Through FIFA's Global Stand Against Racism and the Players' Voice Panel, we remain dedicated to guaranteeing that players, officials and supporters are respected and safeguarded, with proper measures taken when such incidents arise.
"I praise referee François Letexier for implementing the anti-racism protocol by using the designated arm signal to halt play and manage the situation.
"FIFA and the football community demonstrate complete solidarity with racism victims and all forms of discrimination. I will persistently emphasize: No to racism! No to discrimination of any kind!"
Thierry Henry Calls Out UEFA After Lisbon Controversy
Thierry Henry Calls Out UEFA After Lisbon Controversy
Former Arsenal and Barcelona star Thierry Henry also demanded UEFA take action following the events at the Estádio da Luz. The 48-year-old went so far as to expose the governing body's potential double standards should Prestianni escape punishment.
Henry pointed out the constant presence of "no racism" banners before matches, alongside generic statements pledging to "eliminate racism from football." He then imitated teams posing together with such banners while giving thumbs up, with players forcing artificial smiles.
"Acting, that's what I call it," Henry continued on CBS Sports. "There are many actors in this sport. Many. Let's observe their response."
Article 14 of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations stipulates that any player "who degrades the human dignity of an individual or group based on any grounds, including skin color, race, religion, ethnic background, gender or sexual orientation, faces a minimum 10-match suspension or specified time period, or other suitable punishment."
Despite testimony from Vinicius Jr, along with supporting accounts from Kylian Mbappé and Aurélien Tchouaméni, who all claimed Prestianni called the Brazilian a "monkey," UEFA may struggle to obtain solid proof of the incident—the Benfica player intentionally concealed his mouth with his jersey before allegedly making the comment to Vinicius Jr.