Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto is set to lose his protected-witness status, leaving him without a home, job, or income in Portugal. Portuguese authorities decided to end Pinto’s protection after more than six years under a special witness security programme.
The 37-year-old has lived inside a secret safe house since 2020, following his cooperation with Portuguese authorities investigating sensitive football files. Under the programme, Pinto received accommodation and security while keeping his location undisclosed and maintaining extremely limited contact with others.
Authorities advised him not to return home, contact family members, or visit crowded places because concerns surrounding his safety remain. The decision means Pinto must find new accommodation after years of living under police protection at an undisclosed location.
Portuguese broadcaster Renascença reported that the protection programme will officially end on October 10 following a unanimous commission decision. Pinto became internationally known after creating Football Leaks, publishing millions of confidential documents involving clubs, players, agents, and football organisations.
His leaked documents later contributed evidence to investigations involving Manchester City and other major football institutions across Europe. Despite his whistleblowing activities, Pinto faced criminal proceedings and received a suspended four-year sentence in Portugal during 2023.
Earlier this year, he was acquitted of 241 separate charges involving alleged unauthorised access to email accounts and computer systems. The latest decision has raised concerns because Pinto previously faced threats and has remained largely hidden from public life.
His lawyer has criticised the decision, while Portuguese authorities have reportedly reassessed the level of risk surrounding Pinto. As his protection ends, the Football Leaks founder now faces uncertainty over accommodation, employment, finances, and personal security.
Pinto’s case highlights the difficult consequences confronting whistleblowers whose disclosures trigger major investigations across powerful international institutions and industries.
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