NEWS · 10 Oct 2026
Manchester City whistleblower remains under witness protection in Portugal
The hacker who supplied documents that sparked the Premier League investigation into Manchester City will stay in witness protection, after Portuguese authorities paused the decision to terminate it. The move follows concerns over the whistleblower's safety amid ongoing legal proceedings.
A computer hacker who provided a trove of documents to the Premier League has been central to the investigation into Manchester City’s alleged financial irregularities.
The documents, which included evidence of alleged breaches of UEFA and FIFA regulations, prompted the league to launch a formal inquiry into the club’s financial practices.
Because of the sensitive nature of the information and the potential for retaliation, the whistleblower has been placed in a witness protection programme in Portugal, which offers anonymity and security.
Portugal’s authorities had initially decided to end the protection, but the decision was suspended after a review, ensuring the individual remains safe while the investigation continues.
The protection status means the case can proceed without compromising the whistleblower’s identity, and the investigation into Manchester City will continue to unfold under the Premier League’s oversight.