FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stepped into the controversy that overshadowed Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, expressing strong condemnation of an alleged racist incident involving Vinicius Junior.
In a statement published on his official Instagram account, the FIFA president did not hide his disappointment.
“I was shocked and saddened to see the alleged racist incident against Vinicius Junior in the Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid,” he said.
Infantino stressed that racism has no place in football or society, calling for firm action against those responsible.
“There is absolutely no place for racism in our sport or in society. We need all parties involved to take the necessary measures, and for the guilty to be held accountable. I commend referee Francois Letixier for activating the anti-racism protocol, using the crossed arms gesture to stop the match and manage the situation,” Infantino added.
The FIFA boss went on to reaffirm the organisation’s stance against discrimination in all its forms.
“FIFA and football offer their full solidarity to the victims of racism and all forms of discrimination. I will always repeat: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination.”
The incident occurred after Vinicius Junior scored the only goal of the match with a powerful strike and celebrated by dancing in front of the Benfica supporters.
The Brazilian forward later accused Benfica’s Argentine player Gianluca Brestiani of directing a racist insult toward him, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against racism in football.
