Man City Whistle Blower to Lose Witness Protection
The Portuguese computer hacker who released documents which led to the Premier League investigation into Manchester City is set to lose his witness protection despite his fears he could be
Rui Pinto, a Portuguese computer hacker who exposed confidential football documents and led to Manchester City's investigation, is set to lose his witness protection status in Portugal. Pinto released sensitive emails and financial records, which were used by Der Spiegel in 2018 to probe City's finances and alleged breaches of financial fair play rules.
The English Premier League side was later found guilty of all charges related to violations between 2009-10 and 2017-18, a verdict that City intends to appeal. Following his cooperation with authorities, Pinto entered Portugal's witness protection program in 2020. However, he recently announced that he would be leaving the program on October 10 due to safety concerns.
The 37-year-old claims he now faces "life-threatening situations" after receiving multiple death threats and facing a serious risk of assassination. Pinto, who was convicted in Portugal of data theft and attempted extortion, is currently seeking asylum in an undisclosed location. BBC Sport reached out to Portugal's Commission for the Protection of Victims of Crimes for further comment.
Pinto, who has previously described himself as a whistleblower, was convicted of illegal data access and attempted extortion in 2020 and sentenced to four years in prison with a suspended sentence. He also received heightened security measures, including wearing a bulletproof vest during his first trial. In recent months, Pinto has turned his focus towards FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of "cancerizing" football and suggesting he has no place in the sport's future.
Pinto has also accused Infantino of intervening to shield City and Paris St-Germain from financial sanctions. Pinto's legal team said the termination of his witness protection status leaves him at greater risk, given ongoing legal proceedings related to the leaks, including the case against Manchester City. Pinto has launched a fundraising campaign to aid his survival during this "serious situation," which he believes was initiated by the Portuguese State.
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