UK officials consider cooperation deal with football whistleblower Rui Pinto

Rui Pinto’s lawyers are discussing a possible cooperation agreement with British authorities after the Serious Fraud Office contacted the football whistleblower. Pinto is willing to assist investigations in exchange for protection, and an agreement could give investigators access to information about suspected financial and sporting crime.

Pinto collected tens of millions of files between 2015 and 2019, and his disclosures have prompted investigations into matters including Cristiano Ronaldo’s tax affairs and Manchester City’s finances. His future in Portugal’s witness protection programme is uncertain: a decision to end his protection was suspended while he appeals. Pinto received a suspended four-year sentence in 2023 for attempted extortion and cybercrime, and a separate acquittal is also under appeal.