FIFA President Condemns Alleged Racism Against Vinicius Junior

Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior controversy at Estádio da Luz

FIFA president praises Francois Letexier for triggering protocol, shows football's stance against discrimination.

“There is absolutely no place for racism in our sport or in society - we need all relevant stakeholders...”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has condemned the alleged racist incident involving Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during the Champions League match against Benfica, saying he's “shocked” and “saddened” by the situation. Infantino emphasized that “there is absolutely no room for racism in our sport or in society” and called on stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible accountable.

The incident occurred after Vinicius scored the winning goal, and he reported that Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni used a racial slur. The match was temporarily halted, and UEFA has opened an investigation into the matter. Prestianni has denied the allegations, claiming Vinicius misunderstood what was said.

FIFA's president commended referee François Letexier for triggering the anti-racism protocol in the match, calling it a “key moment” in standing up against discrimination.

Infantino's full statement

I was shocked and saddened to witness the alleged racist incident against Vinícius Júnior during the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid FC.

There is absolutely no place for racism in our sport or in society - we need all relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible accountable.

At FIFA, through the Global Initiative Against Racism and the Player Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials, and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate measures are taken whenever incidents occur. I commend referee François Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the match and manage the situation.

FIFA and football stand in full solidarity with victims of racism and all forms of discrimination. I will always continue to repeat: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!

Vinícius has faced multiple similar incidents (over a dozen reported), including this recent 2026 Champions League match at Benfica where he alleged racist abuse from player Gianluca Prestianni (who denied it), halting the game for ~10 minutes under FIFA/UEFA protocol—UEFA is investigating.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino:

“I was shocked and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinícius Júnior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF.

There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society – we need…

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 18, 2026

Vinicius racially abused with “monkey” chants by Valencia fans (2023), leading to convictions.