Rui Pinto, the computer hacker responsible for releasing the Football Leaks documents that triggered the Premier League's high-profile investigation into Manchester City, has launched a scathing attack on Fifa president Gianni Infantino, declaring he "should have no place in the future of the game." The Portuguese whistleblower's comments come as City faces a historic financial rules breach verdict spanning nine years, though the club maintains its innocence and has until October 2 to lodge an appeal against the findings.
In a Wednesday message posted on X, the 37-year-old Pinto resurrected explosive allegations from 2018, accusing Infantino of abusing his authority while serving as Uefa general secretary to shield Manchester City and Paris St-Germain from stringent Financial Fair Play sanctions. According to reporting by Der Spiegel based on the leaked documents, both clubs allegedly inflated sponsorship arrangements to satisfy FFP regulations. When faced with potential consequences, the documents suggest Infantino orchestrated a softer approach, resulting in fines for both clubs in 2014 rather than the more severe measures that an unhindered investigation might have produced. Pinto characterized these interventions as deliberate obstruction designed to prevent Champions League bans. PSG has consistently refuted these claims, emphasizing its compliance with regulations and noting its status as one of football's most heavily audited institutions since FFP's introduction.
Infantino has previously defended his conduct, arguing that his role as general secretary inherently involves discussions, document exchanges, and facilitating solutions between investigative bodies—actions he characterizes as routine professional responsibilities performed in football's interests. Uefa backed this assertion when the allegations initially emerged, confirming such assistance fell within the general secretary's purview. However, Pinto's latest salvo employs unsparing language, describing Infantino as "a cancer on football" and pointing to both his historical conduct at Uefa and recent controversies as Fifa president, including his now-abandoned scheme to monetize World Cup stakes, which drew accusations of "criminal mismanagement" from Uefa and prompted the Swiss Football Association to withdraw its backing.
The controversy intensifies pressure on Infantino ahead of his fourth presidential election bid in March 2027, with rival candidates having until November 18 to mount a challenge. Both Fifa and Uefa operate from Switzerland, where the SFV's withdrawal of support reflects mounting concerns about "leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes" at the world governing body. As Manchester City's Premier League proceedings continue and Pinto's allegations resurface, questions surrounding Infantino's stewardship of global football governance show no signs of abating.