The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has fined Benfica €40,000 over allegations of racist or discriminatory behavior by some of its supporters.
In a statement, UEFA also said the club was fined an additional €25,000 for throwing objects onto the pitch, and €8,000 for the use of laser lights.
Additionally, the team’s assistant coach, Pedro Machado, has been suspended for one match due to what was described as misconduct.
The UEFA Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid became controversial after Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior accused Gianluca Prestianni of making racist remarks—an allegation both the player and his club denied.
UEFA stated that it has opened an investigation into the incident and temporarily suspended Prestianni ahead of the second-leg match in Madrid. Real Madrid won the match 2–1, having already secured a 1–0 victory in the first leg, giving them a 3–1 aggregate win.
The sanctions also include the possibility of partially closing Benfica’s stadium for a future match, although this punishment has been suspended for one year.
