Rui Pinto, the computer hacker behind the Football Leaks website, faces an immediate loss of security after Portuguese authorities notified him that his witness protection status will terminate on October 10. The 37-year-old, who provided the data that triggered the Premier League’s investigation into Manchester City’s finances, must vacate his confidential housing within days, according to a statement from his legal team.
Termination of Witness Protection on October 10
Pinto’s lawyers—Francisco and Luisa Teixeira da Mota, William Bourdon, and Vincent Brengarth—stated that their client received no prior hearing before the decision to end the security program was made. They described the move as a decision with "dire consequences," noting that Pinto is now more vulnerable than at any time since he entered the program in 2020.
Pinto himself posted on X that the decision has placed him in a "life-threatening situation," according to the BBC. He stated he has no alternative but to relocate to an undisclosed location indefinitely, citing "multiple death threats" and a "serious risk of an assassination attempt."
Legal Counsel Highlights Ongoing Threats to Pinto
The threat to Pinto’s safety is considered active rather than theoretical by his legal representatives. In April, Pinto was assaulted in Lisbon, an incident his lawyers highlighted to emphasize the risks stemming from his revelations, which implicated powerful figures with significant resources.
During his initial trial in 2020, Pinto was required to wear a bulletproof vest as part of heightened security measures. While he has been a protected witness for the Portuguese state since 2020, he remains a controversial figure; he was handed a four-year suspended sentence in September 2023 for attempted extortion, illegal access to data, and breach of correspondence. Earlier this year, he was acquitted of 241 counts of illegally accessing email accounts of sports bodies, including Benfica.
Allegations Against FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Pinto has recently intensified his public criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Pinto alleged that Infantino, during his tenure as UEFA general secretary in 2014, helped Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain avoid financial fair play sanctions by bypassing proper channels.
Pinto described Infantino as a "cancer on football" in a post on Wednesday, stating he should have no place in the future of the game. UEFA has previously defended Infantino’s actions, stating it was within his remit to provide assistance to help find solutions for investigating bodies, while Infantino has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing his past conduct as professional.
Pinto Seeks Funds Following Housing Support Termination
Pinto has launched a fundraising page to support his survival, claiming the current situation was "created by the Portuguese State," the BBC reported. The legal proceedings Pinto enabled remain ongoing, with Manchester City currently awaiting the final outcome of the Premier League’s investigation into its financial practices.
While Pinto was extradited to Portugal from Hungary in 2019 and spent over a year in pre-trial detention, he continues to cooperate with investigators across several European countries. The termination of his state-provided housing leaves him to manage his security requirements independently as his lawsuits continue to unfold.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Football Leaks Whistleblower
Why was Rui Pinto’s witness protection status revoked?
The specific reasoning behind the Portuguese state’s decision to end the program on October 10 has not been publicly detailed by authorities. Pinto’s lawyers stated that he was informed of the termination without a prior hearing as required by law.
What is the current status of the Manchester City investigation?
The investigation into Manchester City’s financial practices was triggered by data Pinto shared with the public in 2018. As of early October, the club is facing a deadline to respond to the Premier League’s guilty verdict regarding breaches of financial rules over a nine-year period.
Has Rui Pinto been convicted of any crimes?
Yes. In September 2023, a Portuguese court handed Pinto a four-year suspended sentence for attempted extortion, illegal access to data, and breach of correspondence. He was, however, acquitted of 241 separate counts of illegal access to data earlier this year.
Is Pinto the only source of the financial allegations against football clubs?
Pinto provided the millions of encrypted files that formed the basis of the Football Leaks operation. These documents were subsequently passed to a consortium of European investigative media outlets, which led to judicial investigations and tax adjustments across several countries.