Whistleblower Rui Pinto returns to witness protection over safety fears

According to Mirror Football, Rui Pinto – the hacker behind the leak that supplied evidence for the Premier League’s charge against Manchester City – has once again sought refuge in the United Kingdom’s witness‑protection scheme. The 31‑year‑old said recent threats have left him convinced his safety is at risk.

Pinto was a central figure in the process that led to the league levelling charges against the club, providing documents that the governing body used in its case. In a public appeal made earlier this year, he asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to help ensure his security, warning that his life could be in danger.

The whistleblower’s return to protection underscores the ongoing tension surrounding high‑profile football investigations. Readers can find related match highlights on this site while the authorities continue to assess the security measures needed for those who assist in exposing wrongdoing.