Sports · Football · 1 day ago
Rui Pinto to remain in witness protection while Portugal reconsiders decision
Rui Pinto, the founder of Football Leaks, will remain in Portugal’s witness protection programme for now.
Portuguese authorities had planned to end his protection, but reversed that decision because he was not properly told why or given a chance to challenge it.
Pinto has said he fears for his safety and has faced death threats and an assault in Lisbon.
He entered the programme in 2020 after agreeing to cooperate with authorities and provide information gathered through Football Leaks.
Documents he shared helped prompt investigations into Manchester City’s finances and alleged breaches of Premier League rules.
City were recently found guilty of all charges relating to financial regulation breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, and have appealed.
Pinto has 10 working days to review the risk assessment and respond before officials make a new decision about his protection.
Rui Pinto will remain in Portugal’s witness protection programme for now after authorities suspended a decision to end his protection.
The Ministry of Justice said the decision was reversed because Pinto had not been adequately informed of the reasons or given a chance to challenge it.
Pinto has 10 working days to review the risk assessment and respond before a new decision is made.
He has been in the programme since 2020, after agreeing to cooperate with authorities and provide information obtained through Football Leaks.
His disclosures helped trigger the Premier League investigation into Manchester City, which has appealed a guilty verdict over financial-regulation breaches.
- Who
- Rui Pinto, founder of Football Leaks and a source of information in the Manchester City investigation.
- What
- Portuguese authorities suspended a decision to end his witness protection, so it remains in effect for now.
- When
- The reversal was announced on Friday, 9 October 2026; his protection had been due to end on Saturday.
- Where
- Portugal.
- Why
- Authorities said Pinto had not been adequately informed of the grounds for ending his protection or given an opportunity to challenge the decision.
Pinto and his lawyers
Portuguese special security programmes commission
Basis for the decision
Pinto and his lawyers
Pinto’s lawyers say authorities should consider his cooperation with the justice system and the risks linked to his disclosures before withdrawing his protection.
Portuguese special security programmes commission
The commission’s risk assessment indicated a low threat to Pinto’s safety, according to the BBC and Guardian.
Process
Pinto and his lawyers
Pinto accused the commission of acting unlawfully and said its initial decision was a manifest abuse of power.
Portuguese special security programmes commission
The commission acknowledged Pinto had not been adequately informed of the grounds or given an opportunity to present his case; the decision was suspended.
The protection program remains in effect until a new decision is adopted by the Special Security Programs Commission.
life-threatening situation
manifest abuse of power
Portugal’s judicial police placed Pinto under protection after he agreed to provide investigators with information.
Pinto shared documents with German magazine Der Spiegel, which used them to investigate Manchester City’s finances.
The commission held the meeting relating to its decision on Pinto’s protection.
Pinto was informed that his protected-witness status was coming to an end.
Portugal’s Ministry of Justice announced that the decision had been reversed for the time being.
Pinto has 10 working days to review the documentation and respond before a new decision is made.
- Age
- 37
- Protection began
- 2020
- Time to respond
- 10 working days
- Football Leaks documents
- Shared with Der Spiegel in 2018
- Manchester City charges
- Related to financial-regulation breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons
- City verdict
- City appealed the guilty verdict
Sources
Related news
Wanderers appoint football director to bring departments under one strategy
Arnold seeks more playing time as Wolfsburg coach responds
Cabango says Swansea’s humble approach is helping their promotion push
Portugal suspends Cristiano Ronaldo amid dispute with national team
Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-0 after club’s financial rules verdict
Warren Mundine calls for Welcome to Country ceremonies to leave sporting events
Everton owners explore sale less than two years after takeover
Hiroshima beat Tokyo Verdy 2-0 to move second in J1
Barcelona keep Pedri fresh for another match in Istanbul
Carrick says Manchester City case needs a swift resolution
Maresca says Manchester City's titles are not tainted by verdict
