Rui Pinto to leave Portugal after protection removed

Rui Pinto, the founder of Football Leaks who exposed Manchester City, says he is preparing to leave Portugal after his witness‑protection status was terminated, warning that his safety is now at risk. He told reporters the decision came from Portuguese authorities on Wednesday and that he has received multiple death threats.

The Football Leaks founder claimed he has received “multiple death threats” and faces “the serious risk of an assassination attempt against me”, he said after being informed of the decision on Wednesday. His lawyers have announced they will appeal the removal, describing his situation as ‘critical’.

The announcement came two days after Manchester City were found guilty of 115 charges by the Premier League, an inquiry triggered by Pinto’s leaks of thousands of private documents.