Rui Pinto, the computer hacker whose Football Leaks disclosures triggered the Premier League investigation into Manchester City, has launched a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, calling him a "cancer on football" who "should have no place in the future of the game."

Pinto, a 37-year-old Portuguese national, posted the message on X on Wednesday, repeating allegations he first made in 2018 — that Infantino, serving at the time as UEFA general secretary, abused his authority to help Manchester City and Paris St-Germain escape serious financial fair play sanctions.

The allegations against Infantino

According to documents released through Football Leaks and reported by German publication Der Spiegel, the two clubs overvalued sponsorship deals to satisfy FFP requirements. When sanctions loomed, Pinto alleges Infantino intervened in 2014 to arrange more lenient punishments — shielding both clubs from a deeper investigation that could have resulted in a UEFA Champions League ban.

"The infamous Gianni Infantino, then Uefa general secretary, abused his authority, shared confidential documents and, in short, outmanoeuvred the investigatory chamber," Pinto wrote. "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."

When the allegations first surfaced in 2018, UEFA defended Infantino's conduct, stating it fell within the general secretary's remit to assist in resolving disputes — including "discussions, meetings, assistance to help find solutions, and other interactions." Infantino himself said his job involved exchanging documents and ideas on many topics, insisting he acted "in an honest way, in a professional way."

Paris St-Germain denied any wrongdoing at the time, stating the club had "always acted in full compliance with the laws and regulations enacted by sports institutions" and describing itself as one of "the most audited and scrutinised clubs in history."

Manchester City verdict and broader pressure on Infantino

The Football Leaks disclosures — published via Der Spiegel in 2018 — formed part of the basis for the Premier League's investigation into Manchester City. An independent panel this week found City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules across a nine-year period. City deny all wrongdoing and have until 2 October to lodge an appeal.

Pinto's latest broadside comes as Infantino faces mounting pressure from within the football establishment. UEFA has accused him of "criminal mismanagement" over the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has also withdrawn its support for the FIFA president, citing "fundamental questions regarding leadership, governance, transparency and decision-making processes within Fifa."

Infantino's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup have been shelved following widespread opposition. He is nonetheless expected to stand for a fourth presidential term when elections are held in March 2027, with any challengers required to declare their candidacy by 18 November. BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for a response to Pinto's latest statement.