UEFA fines Benfica over racist abuse of Vinícius Jr.
Sports
Sat, 28 Mar 2026 7:29 GMT
UEFA has fined Benfica €40,000 and placed the club on one-year probation after fans directed racist chants at Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match against Real Madrid.
UEFA has fined Benfica €40,000 and placed the club on one-year probation after fans directed racist chants at Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match against Real Madrid.
The February 17 match was briefly halted under UEFA’s anti-racism protocol after Vinícius reported alleged abuse, including claims against Benfica player Gianluca Prestianni, who denies wrongdoing and remains under investigation.
Benfica also faces additional fines for crowd misconduct and has suspended five supporters. Further incidents during the probation period could lead to partial stadium closure.
