Crime & Justice
Rui Pinto to leave Portugal after authorities end his witness protection
October 2, 2026 at 08:32 PM
Coverage
3 reports · 1 in Arabic, 2 in English · over 6 hours
TGThe Guardian
Manchester City whistleblower Rui Pinto to leave Portugal over safety fears
(opens the publisher’s site)
BNBBC News
Rui Pinto: Hacker who released Man City documents fears for life as he prepares to lose witness protection
(opens the publisher’s site)
AJAl Jazeera Arabic
بعد إدانة مانشستر سيتي.. محامو قرصان "فوتبول ليكس" يطالبون بحمايته من التهديدات
(opens the publisher’s site)Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto said he will relocate after Portuguese authorities ended his witness protection, which he claims leaves him facing assassination risk.
- Portuguese authorities informed Pinto on 30 September that his witness protection will end on 10 October.
- Pinto said he faces "multiple death threats" and "the serious risk of an assassination attempt," announcing a move to an undisclosed location.
- He launched a GoFundMe campaign with a €3m target to fund his relocation.
- His lawyers appealed the decision and asked the justice ministry to reconsider, citing an assault on Pinto in Lisbon in April.