The Portuguese justice system has revoked the protected witness status of Rui Pinto, a 37-year-old whistleblower who played a key role in the Football Leaks revelations. Pinto was informed by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday, September 30, that his protection would be removed, and the change became effective on October 10. His lawyers announced the decision in a public statement, explaining that Pinto had been under the protected witness program, which provided him with a monthly allowance, a false identity, housing in a secure location, and police protection due to security concerns. However, he was not allowed to work during this time. Pinto became a central figure in the Football Leaks scandal, which exposed financial misconduct in European football, including allegations of money laundering and corruption. The leaks, which he helped release, led to significant investigations and legal actions across the continent. Following the revocation of his protection, Pinto launched a fundraising appeal to support himself financially, as he is no longer receiving the monthly allowance or other benefits that came with his protected status. The decision to revoke his protected witness status comes at a time of increased scrutiny around the role of whistleblowers in exposing financial wrongdoing. Pinto's actions were instrumental in the historic conviction of the Manchester City football club, which was found guilty of breaching financial fair play rules in part due to evidence provided by the Football Leaks documents. The case marked a major turning point in the fight against financial misconduct in professional sports. The revocation of Pinto's protection has raised questions about the long-term security and support for whistleblowers in Portugal. While the government has not provided detailed reasons for the decision, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who come forward with sensitive information, particularly in high-profile cases that have significant legal and financial implications.