UEFA bans Prestianni over alleged racist abuse. Plus: FIFA worry over Mexico cartel violence

UEFA has provisionally suspended Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni for one match while it investigates claims that he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior during last week’s Champions League knockout-round play-off first leg in Lisbon, European football’s governing body confirmed yesterday.

The 20-year-old Argentine, who denies using a racial slur after Vinicius scored the only goal of the game, will now miss tomorrow’s return leg at the Bernabéu, removing the possibility of the two players sharing a pitch again only eight days after the initial flashpoint.

In a brief statement, UEFA said the ban had been imposed “without prejudice” and stressed that Prestianni has not been found guilty of any offence. The move is designed to prevent further tension ahead of a fixture already charged by last week’s controversy and by the absence of Benfica coach José Mourinho, who serves a touchline suspension after being sent off in Lisbon.

Benfica responded by saying they “regret being deprived of the player while the process is still under investigation” and have signalled their intention to appeal, though officials privately concede any hearing is unlikely to be completed before kick-off in Madrid.

UEFA has taken similar precautionary action before: in 2021 Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela was given a provisional one-match ban pending an inquiry into alleged racist abuse aimed at Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, a case that ultimately ended with a 10-game sanction.

Real Madrid have rallied around Vinicius, who has endured repeated racist incidents since arriving in Spain eight years ago. Club sources told The Athletic that several teammates have submitted signed statements to UEFA supporting the Brazilian’s version of events, and a final disciplinary decision is expected within days.

With Prestianni removed from the equation, attention will now turn to how both clubs handle a volatile atmosphere at the Bernabéu, where progression to the last 16 proper is on the line.

In a separate development, FIFA sources have expressed growing concern over the threat posed by Mexican drug-cartel violence to the safety of players and supporters ahead of upcoming international fixtures in the region, though no immediate sanctions or relocations have been proposed.