Pinto, the 37-year-old creator of the Football Leaks platform, has been readmitted to a witness protection programme following a swift reversal by authorities. His security status, which he had held since 2020, was abruptly revoked, leaving him fearing for his life.

The initial withdrawal prompted serious concern from the Portuguese native. However, Portugal's Ministry of Justice intervened, acknowledging that Pinto had not been properly informed of the reasons for the termination, nor was he offered a chance to contest the decision.

Before the U-turn, Pinto launched a public appeal to raise 2.5m (2.1m) for his own security, issuing a stark warning about his safety. He stated on X: “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.”

Following the reinstatement, Pinto took to social media to thank Portugal's Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcao Judice, while heavily criticising the commission responsible for the initial withdrawal.

“I express my appreciation for the action taken by Portugal's Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcao Judice, who restored legality by overturning a decision made by the members of the Commission responsible for Portugal's Witness Protection Programme, who acted in clear violation of the law and in a manifest abuse of power," Pinto wrote.

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