Diversion of a watercourse, extraction to supply an artificial lake… Alerted by complaints posted on social networks, the authorities of the city of Mangaratiba, in Brazil, discovered that a construction site started on the property of footballer Neymar breached environmental standards in several respects. The work was therefore interrupted on Thursday, June 22 for “environmental violations”, which could lead to a fine of more than a million dollars for the footballer.
The project was carried out “without environmental clearance” on the property of the Paris Saint-Germain star and the Brazil national team at the luxurious Aero Rural property in Mangaratiba, said the town hall of the city, located around 130 km from Rio, in a press release.
Authorities uncovered “various environmental offences,” including the diversion of a watercourse, the unauthorized extraction of water from a river, and the extraction of water to supply an artificial lake. They also discovered unauthorized excavations and displacements of earth, stones and rocks, as well as the use of beach sand without an environmental permit, the statement said.
“The next step will be to assess the irregularities found and impose a fine which, according to estimates and taking into account the damage caused to the environment, will not be less than 5 million reais (about 950,000 euros),” said the town hall.
Contacted by AFP, the press service of the Brazilian striker has not yet reacted. The footballer’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos, was at the scene when authorities arrived to carry out the “inspection operation”. In a video released by the town hall of Mangaratiba, the man can be seen questioning the orders of officials.
Neymar bought the property in 2016, which local media say sits on 10,000 square meters of land and includes a helipad, spa, sauna, massage room, gym and dining areas . The 31-year-old is currently recovering from surgery on his right ankle which he underwent in Doha in March. He has not played since February and doubts remain as to his retention at PSG.
