Benfica is currently facing significant reputational damage after accusations of racism were levied against player Gianluca Prestianni by Brazilian footballer Vinicius Junior. This incident arose during the first leg of a Champions League match in Lisbon, where Prestianni was alleged to have made racist remarks towards Vinicius. In response to the accusations, UEFA has suspended Prestianni, although he denies the allegations. The suspension is currently temporary, pending an ongoing investigation.