Rui Costa states that Benfica would never have a racist player in the squad.

Rui Costa, the president of Sport Lisboa and Benfica, made impactful statements ahead of the team’s trip to Madrid, where they are set to face Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League play-off. Amid a climate of controversy and media pressure, the issue surrounding player Prestianni, accused of racism by Vinícius Júnior, dominated the press conference. Despite the suspension imposed by UEFA, the Argentine winger traveled with the Benfica delegation, carrying with him a burden of accusations that Rui Costa did not hesitate to address forcefully.

“We are talking about a case based on a moment in the game. Benfica has always been a beacon of inclusion and has never supported racism. We have an African player as a symbol of our club. The situation in question is something we are addressing, and Benfica has cooperated in all necessary aspects,” Costa stated, emphasizing the club’s long history of promoting diversity and inclusion. The president did not shy away from difficult questions, acknowledging that the situation is uncomfortable for both the club and the player, who finds himself at the center of a media storm.

“I believe this is a player who is not racist. If he were, he wouldn’t be representing Benfica. This is a statement I want to make very clear,” said Rui Costa, emphasizing the importance of defending Prestianni amid a backdrop of fierce criticism. He also acknowledged that the week has been complicated, but reiterated that Benfica does not allow itself to be shaken by situations that could tarnish its reputation as an anti-racist club. “What happened should be viewed in the context of a high-intensity game, where all players, including Prestianni, were subjected to insults,” he clarified.

The Benfica leader defended his player’s integrity, insisting that Prestianni is being unjustly attacked. “He deserves our support. The condemnation he is facing is based on a misunderstanding of what actually occurred. Benfica would not tolerate the presence of a racist player in its squad, and I can assure you that this is not the case here,” he said, reaffirming the club’s stance on social and moral issues.

The support for Prestianni is clear, and Rui Costa assured that Benfica will stand by the player, not only because he is part of the team but because he firmly believes in his innocence. “We are talking about a person who, I assure you, is not racist at all. Prestianni deserves our trust and support. It’s as simple as that,” he concluded, making it clear that the club will take a strong position against any form of discrimination. As the team prepares for the clash in Madrid, Rui Costa’s defense of Prestianni resonates as a call for justice and truth in the world of football.