Whistleblower Rui Pinto loses protection as Man City appeal verdict

Rui Pinto, the whistleblower behind the Football Leaks investigation into Manchester City, says his safety is now critical after losing state protection.

The whistleblower whose leaked documents triggered the Premier League's investigation into Manchester City is set to lose his witness protection, putting him at risk. Rui Pinto, the Portuguese hacker behind Football Leaks, says the Portuguese government's decision to end his protection on 10 October has created a life-threatening situation for him.

Pinto was the source of confidential emails and financial records published by Der Spiegel in 2018, which exposed alleged financial rule breaches by Manchester City between 2009 and 2018. The Premier League subsequently brought 115 charges against the club, which were found proven by an independent commission earlier this year. City, who currently sit top of the Premier League with a perfect record of five wins from five games, have appealed that guilty verdict.

Pinto's legal situation

Pinto has been under witness protection in Portugal since August 2020 after providing evidence to authorities. He was convicted last year of illegal data access and attempted extortion, receiving a four-year suspended sentence, though he was acquitted on hundreds of other cybercrime charges in a separate trial this April. His lawyers argue the decision to remove his protection was made without a proper hearing and violates the rule of law. They have urged authorities to reconsider, stating Pinto's revelations have strengthened transparency in football.

"The decision to terminate his participation in the programme on 10 October has put him in a 'life-threatening situation'," Rui Pinto said. He has received multiple death threats and was assaulted in Lisbon earlier this year. A fundraising page has been set up to help him survive, which he claims was necessitated by the state's actions.

City's ongoing appeal

Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a statement filed with their appeal on Friday, the club said they are "innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions". The legal process is ongoing, with no final resolution expected imminently.

On the pitch, Pep Guardiola's side are in imperious form, holding a three-point lead at the summit. They face a significant test next, travelling to face sixth-placed Liverpool on Sunday, 11 October. Fans can view the full upcoming fixtures and check the latest standings. The club's focus remains on maintaining its winning streak, which includes a 5-3 victory over Sunderland last month, while the off-field saga surrounding the whistleblower continues to unfold.