FIFA issue lengthy statement after Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr incident

FIFA have issued a statement after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior during the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie.

Vinicius scored the only goal of the game on 50 minutes to give Real the advantage at the end of the first leg at Estadio de Luz.

But as he and his team-mates were preparing for kick-off, the Brazilian was approached by Prestianni, who then appeared to utter towards Vinicius while covering his shirt with his mouth.

Vinicius immediately reported the alleged incident to referee Francois Letexier.

The French official subsequently made a crossed arm gesture to show that an allegation of racial abuse had been made.

In an Instagram post following the 1-0 win, the Brazilian wrote that 'racists are cowards', adding: "They need to put their shirts in their mouths to demonstrate how weak they are."

Vinicius alleges he was racially abused by Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni (Image: Getty)

Argentina international Prestianni, meanwhile, has denied the accusations of racial abuse.

UEFA have opened an investigation into the incident, with The Athletic reporting that Prestianni is 'likely' to be available for the second leg of the play-off tie, set to be played on March 25, due to the expected length of time that will be needed to reach a conclusion.

Now, with the investigation having commenced, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a statement.

Infantino, who was UEFA's general secretary between 2009 and 2016, says he is 'shocked and saddened' after being informed about the allegations, and has urged UEFA to 'hold those responsible to account'.

"I was shockened and saddened to see the incident of alleged racism towards Vinicius Junior in the UEFA Champions League match between SL Benfica and Real Madrid CF," Infantino states.

FIFA have addressed Vinicius Junior's allegations (Image: Getty)

"There is absolutely no room for racism in our sport and in society - we need all the relevant stakeholders to take action and hold those responsible to account.

"At FIFA, through the Global Stand Against Racism and the Players' Voice Panel, we are committed to ensuring that players, officials and fans are respected and protected, and that appropriate action is taken when incidents occur.

"I commend referee Francois Letexier for activating the anti-racism protocol by using the arm gesture to stop the game and address the situation.

"FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. I will always continue to reiterate: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!"