Manchester City whistleblower Rui Pinto to leave Portugal over safety fears
Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto is fleeing Portugal after his witness protection status was revoked following his role in exposing Manchester City's financial irregularities. Pinto claims he has received multiple death threats and is seeking public funding to relocate for his safety.
Why it matters
The case highlights the precarious position of whistleblowers in high-stakes sports and legal investigations, raising questions about state protection for those who expose systemic corruption.
Rui Pinto’s lawyers said he is ‘more vulnerable than at any point since 2020’./Getty Images Rui Pinto’s lawyers said he is ‘more vulnerable than at any point since 2020’./Getty Images Manchester City Manchester City whistleblower Rui Pinto to leave Portugal over safety fears Pinto has witness protection status removed
His lawyers will appeal and say his situation is ‘critical’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Rui Pinto has revealed he is preparing to leave Portugal because he fears for his safety after being informed that his participation in the country’s witness protection programme has been terminated.
Also covering this story
16 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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