The Portuguese Justice Ministry confirmed on Friday, 9 October 2026, that the protection measures would remain in place pending a fresh decision by the authorities.
The reversal came after the commission responsible for special security programmes acknowledged that Pinto had not been properly informed of the reasons for withdrawing his protection or given an opportunity to challenge the decision.
The development offers temporary relief for the 37-year-old, whose legal team has raised concerns about threats to his safety.
Authorities reverse decision over witness protection
Pinto’s protection had been due to end on Saturday, 10 October, following an earlier decision by the Portuguese authorities.
However, that resolution was nullified after officials acknowledged procedural shortcomings, allowing his protection to continue while the matter is reconsidered.
Pinto’s lawyers had criticised the original decision, arguing that it failed to take sufficient account of the risks facing their client.
The whistleblower was reportedly assaulted in Lisbon in April and has spoken about receiving multiple death threats. He previously said he had been forced to move to a secret location because of concerns for his safety.
The authorities’ latest decision does not necessarily guarantee permanent protection. Instead, it gives Pinto an opportunity to challenge the proposed withdrawal while officials review the case.
How Football Leaks brought Manchester City under scrutiny
Pinto became internationally known through Football Leaks, a platform that published confidential documents relating to football clubs, players, agents and commercial agreements.
The material was shared with investigative journalists and contributed to investigations into financial practices across European football.
Among the disclosures were documents that helped prompt scrutiny of Manchester City’s financial arrangements and contributed to the wider investigation into the Premier League club.
In September 2026, the Premier League announced a verdict finding City guilty of serious financial-rule breaches relating to the period from 2009 to 2018, as well as most of the charges concerning the club’s alleged failure to co-operate with the investigation.
Manchester City has consistently denied wrongdoing and appealed the verdict.
Pinto’s disclosures formed part of the wider chain of events surrounding the case, although the legal proceedings against City and the whistleblower’s own criminal case are separate matters.
Pinto has co-operated with European investigators
Pinto has been a protected witness in Portugal since 2020, after agreeing to give authorities access to millions of files obtained before his arrest.
He was arrested in Hungary in January 2019 and extradited to Portugal, where he spent more than a year in pre-trial detention before agreeing to co-operate with investigators.
His disclosures have contributed to tax-related investigations and legal proceedings involving prominent figures and organisations across European football.
However, Pinto has also faced criminal consequences for his methods. In September 2023, a Portuguese court handed him a suspended four-year prison sentence after convicting him of attempted extortion, illegal access to data and breach of correspondence.
His role has therefore remained controversial, combining disclosures that prompted major investigations with criminal convictions arising from the way information was obtained.
Manchester City case keeps spotlight on whistleblower
The decision to reconsider Pinto’s protection comes amid renewed attention following the Premier League verdict against Manchester City.
His lawyers had warned that ending his protection could expose him to greater danger, particularly given the alleged threats and the assault earlier this year.
The latest intervention means Portuguese authorities must reconsider the matter while allowing Pinto to challenge the grounds for withdrawing his protection.
For now, his security arrangements remain in force. The longer-term outcome will depend on the authorities’ reassessment and their decision on whether he continues to qualify for the programme.