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Rui Pinto and Football Leaks developments

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-03 06:55 UTC → 2026-10-03 07:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Rui Pinto, the hacker behind the ‘Football Leaks’ platform, is facing imminent security risks as his participation in Portugal’s witness protection program is scheduled to end on October 10, 2026. This termination follows a decision by the Special Security Programs Commission, which Pinto’s legal team argues was made without the necessary legal hearings. Pinto has been under protection since August 2020 after providing encrypted data that triggered major investigations into football finances, most notably regarding Manchester City’s alleged schemes to disguise costs and use non-existent commercial contracts between 2009 and 2018. As Following the ~~termination date approaches,~~ Premier League’s finding that Manchester City was guilty of 114 financial charges, Pinto ~~has claimed he faces an assassination threat. He~~ stated he has “no choice but to move to an undisclosed location indefinitely” due to the severity of the ~~risks.~~ risks, including an assassination threat. As the termination date approaches, Pinto has launched a fundraising campaign seeking three million euros to finance his security and relocation. He has also leveled accusations against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, claiming Infantino abused his authority as UEFA General Secretary in 2014 to protect certain clubs from deeper investigations. While Pinto was acquitted of 241 counts related to hacking sports organizations earlier this year, legal actions stemming from his data leaks continue. His legal team and advocacy groups, such as The Signals Network, have expressed grave concerns, noting he was previously assaulted in Lisbon in April. The end of the program will result in the loss of secure housing, specialized identification, and subsistence subsidies, while the continuation of police protection remains subject to judicial decision. While Pinto was acquitted of 241 counts related to hacking sports organizations earlier this year, legal actions stemming from his data leaks continue. Manchester City maintains its innocence and has announced intentions to appeal findings of financial regulation violations.

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