Football Leaks whistleblower Rui Pinto has renewed allegations that FIFA president Gianni Infantino intervened in the past to help Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain avoid severe financial fair play (FFP) sanctions while he was UEFA general secretary.
Pinto’s claims, originally linked to documents published through the Football Leaks investigation in 2018, have resurfaced following the Premier League’s recent announcement that an independent commission found Manchester City guilty of serious financial rule breaches spanning nine seasons.
Pinto alleged that Infantino used his position to influence UEFA’s handling of the cases, helping both clubs secure financial penalties rather than face the possibility of exclusion from the Champions League.
According to Pinto’s allegations, Infantino was involved in negotiations with Manchester City in 2014, when the club faced scrutiny over sponsorship valuations and financial losses. Reports at the time alleged that an agreement reduced City’s proposed fine. PSG also reached a settlement with UEFA, receiving a reduced financial penalty.
These allegations raised questions about the independence of UEFA’s financial investigations and the role of senior officials in disciplinary negotiations.
Pinto has argued that the alleged intervention prevented a more extensive investigation and potential sporting sanctions. However, the claims relate to historical documents and allegations and they should be distinguished from the separate findings of the Premier League commission.
On September 29, 2026, the Premier League confirmed that its independent commission had found Manchester City guilty of all charges relating to serious financial rule breaches over the 2009/10 to 2017/18 seasons, as well as three of four alleged breaches of its duty to cooperate with the investigation.
The commission found that the club had misrepresented financial information and breached spending regulations.
Manchester City has denied wrongdoing and retains the right to challenge the commission’s findings. The Premier League has also stated that the question of sanctions will be addressed separately.
The latest developments have brought renewed attention to the Football Leaks revelations and the historical handling of financial fair play cases. However, the Premier League’s findings concern City’s conduct under its own regulations and do not, by themselves, establish Pinto’s allegations about Infantino’s role in UEFA’s 2014 decisions.
