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Thursday, 1 October 2026dailybeirut.com
Football
Rui Pinto alleges Gianni Infantino shielded Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain from severe sanctions during his UEFA tenure.
Rui Pinto, the whistleblower behind the Football Leaks disclosures, has issued a sharp rebuke of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, asserting the Swiss official does not belong in the sport’s future. The leaked documents that triggered the Premier League’s inquiry into Manchester City originated from Pinto, who now claims Infantino facilitated regulatory evasion by elite clubs while serving at UEFA.
Manchester City were found guilty of violating financial rules across nine years, a verdict based on data Pinto released to the public in 2018. Although guilt is established, sanctions remain undecided, and the Etihad club has until October 2 to appeal the ruling.
The 37-year-old Portuguese hacker used social media platform X to reinforce earlier accusations, stating that Infantino protected both City and Paris Saint-Germain from harsh European penalties during his time as UEFA general secretary. Der Spiegel reports indicated these state-backed clubs inflated sponsorship deals to meet Financial Fair Play (FFP) standards. Facing potential Champions League bans in 2014, Infantino allegedly bypassed standard procedures to negotiate lenient settlements.
Pinto delivered a scathing personal critique of the 56-year-old FIFA chief. "Back in 2014, there was a man who was already aware of the irregularities involving Manchester City," Pinto wrote on Wednesday. He identified this individual as Gianni Infantino, then UEFA general secretary, accusing him of abusing authority, sharing confidential documents, and outmanoeuvring the investigatory chamber.
According to Pinto, Infantino did everything possible to ensure City and PSG received only fines, avoiding deeper investigations that could have resulted in Champions League bans. These details emerged through Football Leaks. "Given his actions as UEFA general secretary and, more recently, as FIFA president, I can only say, in my humble opinion, that Gianni Infantino has become a cancer on football and should have no place in the future of the game."
UEFA initially defended Infantino, noting it was within his remit to provide "assistance to help find solutions" for investigating bodies. Infantino dismissed the criticism, describing his role as involving "having discussions, having conversations, exchanging documents" and maintaining his conduct was professional.
PSG also rejected the accusations, stating they had "always acted in full compliance with the laws and regulations" and highlighting their status as one of the most heavily audited clubs in football history.
Despite denials, scrutiny has intensified. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) recently withdrew support, citing concerns over "leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes" after reassessing recent controversies.
Manchester City faces an immediate deadline of October 2 to appeal the Premier League’s guilty verdict. Their long-term domestic dominance depends on final sanctions and the appeals process outcome.
Infantino is preparing to seek a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027. With European officials dissatisfied with his management style and past initiatives, potential challengers must register by November 18.
