In a significant escalation of the ongoing controversy, Real Madrid has submitted 'all available evidence' to UEFA regarding the alleged racist insult against Vinicius Jr. during the Champions League match against Benfica on February 17, 2026. This follows UEFA's appointment of an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate the allegations made by Vinicius against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who has denied the claims and asserted that he is a victim of a 'defamation campaign' (The Hindu, February 19, 2026). Notably, Prestianni could face a 10-game ban if found guilty by UEFA. Vinicius has become a global symbol of resistance against discrimination, having faced 20 cases of alleged racist abuse during his eight years at Real Madrid (BBC News, February 18, 2026).
RACISM
UEFA Investigates Vinicius Jr's Racism Allegations Against Prestianni in Lisbon
Real Madrid has submitted evidence to UEFA regarding alleged racism against Vinicius Jr. during a match against Benfica, prompting an investigation and calls for stricter penalties in football.
Detailed Analysis
COVERAGE ACROSS SOURCES
How different outlets covered this story.
8 outlets · 19 articles
Filter:
TG
The Guardian
Updated 5h agoChelsea’s Rosenior calls for life bans from football for those found guilty of racismFEB 19, 5:30 PMRead →Champions League review: Bodø shock again, PSG escape and Mourinho’s dismal commentsFEB 19, 1:43 PMRead →Vinícius Júnior takes aim at racist ‘cowards’ after Benfica’s defeat by Real MadridFEB 18, 12:08 AMRead →Vinícius Júnior fury after alleged racist abuse mars Real Madrid’s win at BenficaFEB 17, 11:37 PMRead →
AJ
Al Jazeera
Updated 10h agoReal Madrid send ‘all available’ Vinicius evidence to UEFA in racism rowFEB 19, 12:49 PMRead →Real Madrid’s Vinicius to have alleged racist abuse investigated by UEFAFEB 18, 4:19 PMRead →Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr alleges racism as Mourinho and Benfica under fireFEB 18, 10:08 AMRead →Vinicius earns Real Madrid 1-0 win at Benfica in match marred by racism rowFEB 17, 11:01 PMRead →
TH
The Hindu
Updated 10h agoReal Madrid sends UEFA ’available evidence’ of alleged racist insult against Vinícius JúniorFEB 19, 12:43 PMRead →UEFA to probe claims of 'discriminatory behaviour' towards Real Madrid’s ViniciusFEB 18, 12:53 PMRead →Champions League: Vinicius Junior says he was racially insulted in Real Madrid win, Doue rescues PSGFEB 18, 10:44 AMRead →
BN
BBC News
Updated 1 day agoBW
BBC World
Updated 1 day agoTL
Tribune Latest
Updated 1 day agoGS
Geo Sport
Updated 1 day agoYT