Overview
- Benfica coach José Mourinho emphasized presumption of innocence but said he would end his professional relationship with Gianluca Prestianni if UEFA confirms a racist insult against Vinícius Júnior.
- Mourinho questioned UEFA’s handling of the case, arguing the body acted without the necessary conditionality as it imposed a provisional ban.
- Prestianni missed the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu under the suspension and chose to remain at the team hotel rather than attend the match.
- Vinícius reported a racist insult during the first leg, with no conclusive footage available because Prestianni covered his mouth during the exchange.
- Prestianni denies the allegation, Benfica publicly defended him and refuted claims he admitted wrongdoing, and IFAB is consulting on measures that could deter players from covering their mouths in on-field confrontations.