---
title: "Rui Pinto's Witness Protection Status Abruptly Ended by Portuguese Authorities"
url: https://noti.group/rui-pinto-s-witness-protection-status-abruptly-ended-by-portuguese/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Sports"
published: 2026-10-07T10:21:45.000Z
updated: 2026-10-07T13:54:35.728Z
id: d785584a-63c2-4a9b-bd4e-dc3e1c9cb805
source: "The Guardian Sport https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/07/rui-pinto-witness-protection-ending-portuguese-authorities-manchester-city"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/rui-pinto-s-witness-protection-status-abruptly-ended-by-portuguese/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Rui Pinto's Witness Protection Status Abruptly Ended by Portuguese Authorities

Portuguese authorities have come under scrutiny for their handling of Rui Pinto's witness protection status, which was abruptly ended after nearly three months without his knowledge.

According to internal documents, the special security programmes commission (CPES) met on July 8 and 9 to discuss Pinto's case. The meeting concluded that the threat level against him was low, making it unnecessary for the protective measures to continue.

This decision was made over two months before Pinto received notification of its consequences. On September 30, he was informed that his status as a protected witness would be ending in just 10 days' time.

Pinto's situation is particularly precarious due to the short notice period and the need for him to find immediate solutions. He must now secure a new safe location to live and establish a means of supporting himself without compromising his safety.

The CPES was contacted on multiple occasions regarding the criteria used to determine Pinto's protection should be withdrawn, as well as the 83-day gap between its decision and notification. However, no response has been received from the commission so far.

The decision to end Rui Pinto's witness protection programme has come under scrutiny, with concerns raised about the timing and potential risks involved.

Pinto's cooperation with Portuguese authorities led to significant revelations that have been used in investigations across Europe, including the Premier League's probe into Manchester City's financial dealings. His lawyers argue that his contributions to these cases should be taken into account when evaluating his protection status.

The issue has garnered attention from journalists and lawmakers, with Portugal's justice minister, Rita Alarcão Júdice, facing questions about the decision. She pledged to review Pinto's case and respond by Saturday, the day his protection is set to expire.

Júdice assured that all requests regarding Pinto's situation are being thoroughly examined, and any irregularities or procedural mistakes will be addressed accordingly.

The investigation into Rui Pinto's case continues to unfold, with new developments emerging about his cooperation with authorities. Despite being informed that his witness protection was ending, Pinto remains willing to provide information to British investigators in connection with the City case and other related probes.

His lawyer, Francisco Teixeira da Mota, has announced plans to file an appeal against this decision, citing concerns over due process. According to Da Mota, Pinto's lack of involvement in the decision-making process is a critical issue that undermines his rights as protected by the European Court of Human Rights.

The criticism from Pinto's defence team has intensified since learning about the prolonged delay in informing him about the end of his protection status. This move has been described as an "act of state terrorism" in a recent press release, highlighting the deep-seated concerns over the handling of this case.

---
Source: [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/07/rui-pinto-witness-protection-ending-portuguese-authorities-manchester-city)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/rui-pinto-s-witness-protection-status-abruptly-ended-by-portuguese/