In a startling turn of events, renowned soccer player Neymar has been slapped with a hefty fine of 16 million reais ($3.3 million) by a prosecutor in Brazil. The penalty was imposed for constructing a lake at his lavish mansion on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro without obtaining the necessary environmental license. The announcement came on Monday, shocking fans and environmentalists alike.
The town council in Mangaratiba, where Neymar’s mansion is situated, issued a statement confirming the imposition of four fines due to “environmental violations in the construction of an artificial lake at the player’s mansion.” The council secretariat expressed concern over the severity of the infractions and emphasized the need for accountability.
Among the numerous infractions identified, authorities highlighted the unauthorized execution of construction work that required environmental authorization, unauthorized diversion and extraction of river water, and the unauthorized removal of land and vegetation. These violations reflect a blatant disregard for the ecological well-being of the area.
The prosecutor’s office in Mangaratiba set the fine at a staggering 16 million reais, surpassing the initially proposed penalty of five million reais, which was equivalent to nearly one million dollars. Neymar now has a window of 20 days to appeal the decision.
This controversy unfolded on June 22 when authorities responded to public complaints generated by social media posts. Upon inspection, multiple environmental violations were discovered at Neymar’s opulent property. Workers were found engaged in the construction of an artificial lake and beach, prompting the immediate intervention of the authorities.
Authorities swiftly cordoned off the site and issued a cease-work order. However, local Brazilian media outlets reported that Neymar defiantly organized a party at the mansion and even took a dip in the unauthorized lake. Such actions have further fueled public outrage and raised concerns about the soccer star’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
As of now, Neymar’s press office in Brazil has not responded to requests for comment from AFP. The silence from the soccer star’s camp has left many speculating about his perspective on the matter and whether he intends to take responsibility for his actions.
It is worth noting that Neymar, aged 31, is currently recuperating from ankle surgery he underwent in March in Doha. This recent controversy has cast a shadow over his recovery and stirred doubts about his future with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Since February, Neymar has been sidelined from the game, and his prolonged absence coupled with the environmental violations has raised questions about his commitment to the sport and the consequences he may face.
The luxurious Mangaratiba mansion was acquired by Neymar in 2016 and spans an impressive 10,000 square meters (107,000 square feet) of land. According to Brazilian media reports, the property boasts extravagant amenities such as a heliport, spa, and gym, further accentuating the magnitude of the environmental violations.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that even revered individuals are not exempt from the consequences of disregarding environmental regulations. As the appeal window opens, the world waits with bated breath to see how Neymar responds to this significant fine and whether he will take necessary measures to rectify the environmental damage caused at his mansion.
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