Even the FIFA president didn’t stay silent: Infantino’s response to the Vinícius case
The head of world football expressed his sadness over what happened and stressed that these situations cannot continue to occur.
Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has been completely overshadowed by a familiar, ugly shadow. While Vinícius Júnior secured the win with the only goal of the match, the headlines aren't about his finishing, but about the alleged racial slurs he received during the contest.
The match was halted for several minutes after the referee activated the official anti-racism protocol—a move that has now triggered a massive institutional "counter-offensive."
Infantino’s "Fear" and the FIFA Response
FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not hide his dismay. In a public message released hours after the final whistle, Infantino expressed deep sadness over the reported events. He was blunt in his assessment: "There is no place for racism—not in football, and not in our society."
Infantino specifically praised the match official for acting "at full speed" to activate the protocols. He reiterated that FIFA’s global campaigns to eradicate discrimination are designed to protect everyone—players, referees, and fans alike—from this type of "repugnant" behavior.
Benfica’s Defense: "False Accusations"
While the world condemns the incident, the response from the Portuguese side has been one of staunch defense. Benfica maintains that their player (Gianluca Prestianni) is a victim of "false accusations."
- The Club’s Stance: They are backing their player’s version of events, claiming the situation has been blown out of proportion.
- The Player’s Plea: The Argentine winger has categorically denied using any discriminatory language, suggesting the entire incident was a "massive misunderstanding" born from the heat of the game.
Mbappé and the Madrid Locker Room
The tension has also permeated the Real Madrid dressing room. Kylian Mbappé was quick to voice his support for Vinícius, demanding an "exemplary sanction" if the allegations are proven true. Mbappé’s intervention adds significant weight to the case, which now rests on a combination of broadcast footage, VAR audio, and the official referee’s report.
The Road Ahead
As both teams prepare for the second leg, the atmosphere remains thick with uncertainty. Beyond the sporting result, this chapter puts the fight against racism back at the center of the European football debate.
The result favored Real Madrid on the pitch, but the global conversation is now focused on a much deeper discourse: the urgent need for a forceful response to discrimination in the modern game.
