Soccer sensation Neymar has been slapped with a hefty fine of 16 million reais ($3.3 million) by a Brazilian prosecutor for illegally excavating a lake at his mansion near Rio de Janeiro.
The Mangaratiba town council issued four fines related to environmental rule breaches during the construction of an artificial lake on Neymar’s property. The penalties include unauthorized environmental work, diversion of river water, and removal of land and vegetation without proper permits. Neymar, who has 20 days to contest the fine, had initially been facing a penalty of five million reais.
The violations were discovered after complaints circulated on social media, leading authorities to halt all construction activities on the site. Despite the ongoing controversy, Neymar’s representatives have not yet responded to media requests for comment. The 31-year-old star player, currently recuperating from ankle surgery, faces uncertainties regarding his future with Paris Saint-Germain. Acquired in 2016, Neymar’s luxurious mansion in Mangaratiba spans an expansive 10,000 square meters and boasts amenities such as a heliport, spa, and gym.
