Pinto, the founder of Football Leaks, was informed that his protection programme would end on October 10, according to his statement and reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters. He has been under protection since 2020 after agreeing to provide Portuguese authorities with access to millions of files he had gathered before his arrest.
Pinto says he fears for his safety
The 37-year-old said on social media that he had received multiple death threats and believed there was a serious risk of an assassination attempt.
Pinto said he therefore had no alternative but to relocate to an undisclosed location for an indefinite period.
His lawyers have also appealed the decision to end his protection, arguing that it leaves him more vulnerable while several legal proceedings connected to his disclosures remain ongoing.
Portuguese authorities assessed risk as low
While Pinto and his lawyers have raised serious concerns about his safety, reporting from The Guardian says Portuguese police assessed the risk to his safety as low.
The decision also came despite an incident in Lisbon in April in which Pinto was reportedly assaulted. The Guardian reported that he was left with a bruised eyebrow, although no complaint was filed.
Pinto has reportedly been advised to exercise caution with family contacts and avoid social media following the withdrawal of his protection.
Football Leaks and Manchester City investigation
Pinto's leaked documents played a significant role in investigations into Manchester City's finances.
The documents were provided to German publication Der Spiegel and formed part of reporting that prompted separate investigations by UEFA and the Premier League into the club's financial affairs.
The Premier League's independent commission has now found Manchester City guilty of 114 charges relating to financial rules over a nine-year period.
Manchester City has rejected the findings and is appealing the verdict.
Pinto open to helping UK authorities
The latest developments could also allow Pinto to cooperate with authorities outside Portugal.
The Guardian reported on Saturday that Pinto is willing to assist UK authorities in exchange for adequate protection. He is understood to possess further documents and information relating to Manchester City's financial affairs and other Football Leaks investigations.
Pinto's witness protection in Portugal is due to end on October 10, although his lawyers are challenging the decision.
Key details
• Whistleblower: Rui Pinto
• Known for: Football Leaks
• Witness protection: Due to end October 10, 2026
• Country providing protection: Portugal
• Pinto's claim: He has received multiple death threats
• Portuguese police assessment: Reportedly considered his security risk low
• Manchester City case: Premier League commission found City guilty of 114 charges
• City's position: Manchester City has rejected the findings and is appealing