From the Guardian · · 1m 10s
Manchester City Whistleblower Loses Protection
Rui Pinto, Manchester City whistleblower, no longer protected by Portuguese authorities.
In brief
Rui Pinto, Manchester City whistleblower, no longer protected by Portuguese authorities. Rui Pinto, who leaked Manchester City's financial documents, lost Portuguese witness protection after being advised to avoid social media and family contacts. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Rui Pinto's Protection Removed
Rui Pinto has been told to exercise caution with family and avoid social media after being told he is no longer a protected witness in Portugal.
Whistleblower Background
Pinto, 37, runs Football Leaks and was a protected witness since 2020 after sharing millions of files with Portuguese authorities.
Police Assessment
Portuguese police deemed Pinto’s safety risk low despite an April assault in Lisbon and ongoing City investigation fallout.
Legal History
Pinto received a suspended four-year sentence in September 2023 for attempted extortion, illegal data access, and breach of correspondence.
Impact of Leaks
Pinto provided information on City’s finances to Der Spiegel, triggering Uefa and Premier League investigations into Manchester City’s financial affairs.
Current Consequences
Manchester City faces 114 Premier League charges over £900m in disguised funding, with appeal deadline on Friday.
The key point
Rui Pinto, who leaked Manchester City's financial documents, lost Portuguese witness protection after being advised to avoid social media and family contacts.
