Portuguese authorities took 83 days to tell Rui Pinto his witness protection was ending

Portuguese authorities kept Football Leaks whistleblower Rui Pinto in the dark for 83 days before informing him that his witness protection was ending. Portugal's special security programmes commission determined in July that the threat against Pinto was low, but only notified him on September 30, leaving him with just 10 days to prepare alternative safety arrangements.

Pinto, whose leaked documents contributed to investigations including Manchester City's Premier League financial charges, has expressed fear for his life. Following significant public pressure, Portuguese Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice stated that officials are reviewing the case, while Pinto's legal team plans to appeal the decision.