OFFICIAL: UEFA Punishes Mourinho's Team

Benfica Penalized by UEFA for Racist Behavior Targeting Vinicius Junior in Controversial Champions League Match Against Real Madrid

UEFA Issues Penalty, Orders Stand Closure

UEFA confirmed that Benfica received a severe penalty following their 0-1 defeat to Real Madrid on February 17. The cause stemmed from actions directed at Vinicius at the Estadio da Luz.

In the official statement, UEFA's Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body concluded that the Portuguese club allowedracist and/or discriminatory behavior from fans”. Consequently, Benfica is required to close 500 seats in sections 10 and 11 for their next European home match. However, this penalty is suspended for a one-year probation period. Additionally, the Lisbon club was fined 40,000 euros for the aforementioned discriminatory actions.

Additional Financial Penalties

Furthermore, Benfica faces additional fines: 8,000 euros for laser use and 25,000 euros for fans throwing objects onto the field. Combined, the club must pay 73,000 euros solely from this match.

The penalty also affects the coaching staff, as assistant coach Pedro Luis Ferreira Machado received a one-match suspension in UEFA club competitions due to unsportsmanlike conduct during this tense match.

Benfica Takes Swift Action

Despite the heavy penalty, Benfica is praised for its prompt response. According to A Bola, the club immediately identified involved individuals and enforced internal discipline.

The team suspended five related members and revoked their season “Red Pass” tickets, demonstrating a firm stance against racist behavior. This decisive handling is considered a reason why the stand closure penalty was suspended rather than immediately enforced.

Post-Match Situation for Both Teams

After losing to Real Madrid with a 1-3 aggregate score over two matches, Benfica was eliminated from the Champions League play-off for the round of 16. In the domestic Liga Portugal, they currently rank 3rd with 65 points, trailing the top team by 7 points.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid enters a crucial phase of the season. The Royal team currently stands 2nd in La Liga, 4 points behind Barcelona, and recently secured a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. In the Champions League, they are preparing for a major quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich in April.