Rui Pinto, the whistleblower whose disclosures initiated an investigation into Manchester City Football Club, announced he will enter hiding indefinitely due to concerns for his safety. Pinto stated he received multiple death threats and was informed that his witness protection would conclude on October 10. In a post on social media, he expressed his fear for his life and the necessity to relocate to an undisclosed location. Pinto indicated that the termination of his witness protection program by Portuguese authorities places him in a life-threatening situation.
The 37-year-old hacker, who founded the website Football Leaks, revealed documents showing that Manchester City violated league rules from 2009 to 2018. An independent commission found the club guilty of most of the 115 charges related to financial misconduct. In response, Manchester City filed an appeal against the ruling, seeking to overturn the decision and avoid significant penalties.
Pinto has been under witness protection since August 2020 after providing Portuguese authorities with access to extensive files prior to his arrest. He received a suspended sentence for various cybercrimes, including illegally obtaining documents. Following the commission's verdict, he has been vocal on social media, calling the ruling a historic decision for English football.
In light of his situation, Pinto has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to seek support for his living expenses, which he claims have been jeopardized by the actions of the Portuguese State. His lawyers stated that the end of his witness protection could lead to dire consequences, emphasizing that the threats against him are serious, citing a past assault in Lisbon. They described the decision to end his protection as one that leaves him vulnerable and without guaranteed police protection.