Rui Pinto, the Portuguese computer hacker whose leaked documents helped spark the Premier League's wide-ranging investigation into Manchester City, will remain in witness protection after Portuguese authorities reversed their earlier decision to withdraw it.

The suspension of the move to end his protection means Pinto — who has been at the centre of one of football's most consequential whistleblowing cases — retains the security arrangements put in place following his cooperation with investigators.

Pinto is widely credited with supplying the trove of confidential files that form part of the evidence base behind the Premier League's landmark case against Manchester City. The club face 115 charges relating to alleged breaches of financial rules spanning several seasons.

The decision by Portuguese authorities to keep protection in place will be seen as a significant development, given the sensitivity of the ongoing Premier League proceedings and the role Pinto's disclosures are understood to have played in shaping them.

Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and have pledged to contest every charge brought against them. The Premier League hearing, one of the most complex disciplinary processes in English football history, is ongoing.