The computer hacker who tried to take down Man City
BBC Sport travelled to Portugal to find out more about Rui Pinto - the computer hacker who sparked the Manchester City investigation.
Portuguese computer hacker Rui Pinto, also known as John, attempted to bring down Manchester City Football Club through his website Football Leaks. The leaks published confidential club documents, including internal emails about sponsorship deals and payments, leading to Premier League charges for breaching financial rules. The club was found guilty of 115 counts.
Pinto's former geography teacher, Mario Falcao, described him as a sociable and moderately successful student who missed classes often. Pinto's modest upbringing in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, included a father who worked in a shoe factory and an antiques dealer, while his mother passed away when he was 11. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Pinto is considered a whistleblower by some, who argue he has revealed the darker side of football.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- The computer hacker who tried to take down Man City sports.yahoo.com
- The computer hacker who tried to take down Man City bbc.co.uk
