He Real Madrid CF issued an official statement to comment on the alleged racist incident that occurred during the first leg of the playoff heading to the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 against SL Benfica. The white club confirmed that it has already delivered to UEFA all the available evidence related to what happened, after Vinicius Jr. denounce a degrading comment by rival player Gianluca Prestianni.
The official statement from Real Madrid
In its institutional note, the Madrid entity assured that it actively collaborated with the investigation opened by UEFA after the events recorded on February 17 in Lisbon. The club described the episodes of racism experienced during the European meeting as “unacceptable” and reiterated its commitment to the fight against discrimination inside and outside the club. soccer.
Furthermore, Real Madrid thanked the support that Vinícius Jr. has received from different sectors of world sport, highlighting the public support for the Brazilian footballer after his complaint.
Open investigation and possible sanctions
UEFA continues to analyze the material provided by the Spanish club to clarify what happened during the continental match. The governing body of European football must determine whether there are sufficient elements to open a formal disciplinary process and apply possible sanctions.
The case once again puts the problem of racism in European football in focus, a topic that has generated multiple debates in recent years and which has had Vinícius Jr. as one of the most visible voices in the fight against this type of behavior.
Commitment against racism in football
In its statement, Real Madrid stressed that it will continue working together with sports institutions and international organizations to combat racism, violence and hatred in sport and in society. The club considers that cooperation between teams, federations and authorities is key to eradicating this type of behavior and protecting players on the field of play.
The resolution of the case will now depend on UEFA’s investigation, while the European football environment remains attentive to possible disciplinary decisions after one of the most controversial episodes of the current edition of the Champions League.
