Portugal to end Rui Pinto’s witness protection on October 10

Portuguese authorities are ending Rui Pinto’s protected-witness status, a decision that is due to take effect on October 10, according to reports. Pinto, whose Football Leaks material helped prompt investigations into Manchester City’s finances, has been in the programme since 2020 after agreeing to give authorities access to millions of files. The reasons for ending his protection have not been publicly explained in the supplied reporting, and it remains unclear whether he will retain any separate police protection. Pinto, 37, was reportedly surprised by the decision. The witness-protection arrangements have included accommodation at a secret location, which is expected to end with his programme status. Reports say authorities assessed the risk to his safety as low, but provide no direct official explanation or underlying risk assessment. A separate decision may determine whether police protection continues. Pinto was physically assaulted in Lisbon in April 2026 while still under protection, according to reports. Separately, a recent post on X alleged that he escaped an ambush in a bulletproof vehicle.