Benfica president Rui Costa: “Prestianni isn’t racist… but what about Valverde?”

Benfica president Rui Costa expressed frustration over UEFA’s decision to provisionally suspend Gianluca Prestianni, who still traveled with the team to Madrid while awaiting a ruling from UEFA’s Appeals Committee.

Speaking at the airport before departure, Costa said: “It goes without saying how tough this match will be. Our ambition and determination are unshakable. We will give everything on the field. The Prestianni case is right in the middle of it all. We filed an appeal because nothing has been proven and there is no justification for the suspension.”

Rui Costa on Valverde “aggression”

Costa also commented on a controversial incident involving Federico Valverde and Benfica’s Samuel Dahl, which UEFA reviewed but ultimately did not punish.

“These are two separate cases. We are not using other incidents from the match to undermine Prestianni’s situation, but there was a clear act of aggression by Valverde. I wasn’t on the field, so I don’t know exactly what was said or done. We believe our player. We know the character of our squad. Prestianni is anything but racist. We have kept our fans informed, we defend our player, and it was not appropriate for me to speak before a final decision. This is only a suspension, not a verdict. We will always keep our fans updated.”

Benfica stands against racism: “An example of integration”

Costa expressed his disappointment at the perception that Benfica condones racism.

“What are these criticisms based on? Throughout its history, Benfica has been a model of inclusion and anti-racism. One of our leading figures is an African player. Benfica stands for inclusion. There was an incident under review. We are fully cooperating. Everyone in the stadium saw what happened; it was a Champions League match. Benfica never wavers on racism. We are an example of integration. Everyone involved has been part of the conversation. This situation is uncomfortable for all of us.

“Prestianni is not a racist. If he were, he wouldn’t play for Benfica. Nothing about this hurts the club. We believe in our player. I would be the first to call it out if he were racist. Benfica is protecting a player who has been deeply offended in recent days. We will support Prestianni. Nothing has been proven. I guarantee it: Prestianni is not racist. He is being wrongly condemned for an act of racism.”

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