Brazil football star Neymar fined $4.5m for environmental offence
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Neymar has been fined for breaching environmental rules during the construction of his coastal mansion in Brazil.
PHOTO: AFP
RIO DE JANEIRO – The authorities said that football star Neymar was fined 16 million reais (S$4.5 million) for breaching environmental rules during the construction of his coastal mansion in south-eastern Brazil.
The luxury project violated rules regarding the use and movement of freshwater sources, rock and sand, the local authorities first alleged late in June and confirmed on Monday.
A spokesman for Neymar declined to comment on the matter.
His residence, bought in 2016, is located in the town of Mangaratiba on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.
Aerial view of the Portobello Luxury Condominium where Brazilian footballer Neymar has a beachside mansion, in Mangaratiba, near Rio de Janeiro.
PHOTO: AFP
According to the Brazilian media, it sits on 10,000 sq m of land and includes a helipad, spa and gym.
Mangaratiba’s environmental body said in a statement on Monday that environmental infractions were made “in the construction of an artificial lake at the mansion”.
Besides the fine, the case will be probed by the local attorney-general’s office, the state civil police and environmental protection office, among other environmental control bodies.
The 31-year-old is recovering from an operation on his right ankle, which he underwent in Doha in March.
The striker has not played since February, and doubts have arisen whether he will remain at Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports from the Middle East last week have suggested the Brazilian could be the next big name to join the Saudi Pro League, potentially following in the footsteps of Ballon d’Or winners Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
However, there have also been reports from Fox Sports Mexico and beIN Sports which suggested that a return to Barcelona could be on the cards. REUTERS, AFP
