Rui Pinto lawyers open UK cooperation talks as protection status remains unresolved

Lawyers for Football Leaks founder Rui Pinto are discussing possible cooperation with British authorities, according to a Guardian report published on Tuesday. The newspaper reported that the Serious Fraud Office had approached Pinto after learning he was prepared to assist investigators if he received protection. His lawyer, William Bourdon, confirmed that contact had been made, but did not disclose further details about the discussions.

No completed agreement was announced in the report. Any arrangement could give investigators access to Pinto’s knowledge of a large collection of sensitive records: he gathered tens of millions of files between 2015 and 2019. The Guardian said his assistance could help identify suspected tax offences and financial irregularities involving football, legal practices and business figures. Those possibilities remain contingent on the talks producing an agreement.

Pinto became known for disclosures about football’s finances, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s tax affairs, proposals for a European Super League and financial arrangements within the sport. According to the Guardian, his material prompted investigations and helped underpin legal proceedings involving players and clubs in multiple countries. The current discussions concern whether he could provide further assistance to British investigators, rather than an announcement of new charges.

The talks coincide with uncertainty over Pinto’s security arrangements in Portugal. The Guardian reported that he was told on 30 September that his protection would end after six years in the country’s witness protection programme. Authorities maintained that his life was not under threat, while advising him to avoid crowds, refrain from commenting on contentious subjects and restrict time with relatives.

That decision has not taken final effect. Although it had been made in July, Pinto received only 10 days’ notice, the newspaper reported. Implementation was suspended after it emerged that he had not been allowed an opportunity to challenge or appeal the decision. He subsequently appealed and is waiting for a final ruling on whether his protection will continue.

Pinto’s own legal proceedings also remain part of the background. He received a suspended four-year prison term in Portugal in 2023 for attempted extortion and cybercrime offences. The Guardian reported that he was acquitted in a separate case involving similar allegations two years later. Prosecutors and Benfica appealed that acquittal, and a higher-court decision is still pending.