On 30th September 2026, just hours after the verdict officially confirming Manchester City's guilt, the Commission responsible for Portugal's witness protection programme informed me of its decision to terminate my participation in the programme and withdraw my police protection, thereby knowingly placing me in a life-threatening situation. (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/30/manchester-city-whistleblower-rui-pinto-no-longer-protected-witness-premier-league-portuguese-police | https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/01/fears-manchester-city-whistleblower-rui-pinto-loses-protected-witness-status)

Given these circumstances, I have no alternative but to relocate, within the next few days, to an undisclosed location for an indefinite period of time, due to the multiple death threats I have received and the serious risk of an assassination attempt against me.

For this reason, I have just set up a GoFundMe campaign and I am asking for everyone's support to help me survive this serious situation created by the Portuguese State, which, as I have already stated, has knowingly decided to place my life at risk.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special thanks to everyone who continues to support Football Leaks, and I can give everyone one guarantee: the fight will most certainly continue!

Know more about Rui Pinto:

https://x.com/RuiPinto_FL

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6093978/2026/09/27/rui-pinto-whistleblower-manchester-city/?unlocked_article_code=1.EVE.sn1J.lYolwIc8Iehx&source=twitteruk

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/25/manchester-city-guilty-verdict-a-historic-decision-says-whistleblower-rui-pinto