Neymar fined $3.3 million for breaking environmental rules

Brazilian officials announced that they had fined soccer star Neymar 16 million reais ($3.3 million) for constructing a lake at his estate outside of Rio de Janeiro without obtaining an environmental permit.

Neymar fined breaking environmental rules: The Mangaratiba town council imposed four fines for “environmental violations in the construction of an artificial lake at the player’s mansion,” as stated in a statement from the council office.

The statement from the prosecutor’s office in Mangaratiba, a tourist destination approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Rio where the mansion of the Paris Saint-Germain player is located, indicated that “the sanctions amount to more than 16 million reais.”

According to the authorities, among the “dozens of infractions” found were “carrying out work subject to environmental control without authorization,” “capturing and diverting river water without authorization,” and “removal of land and suppression of vegetation without authorization.”

Neymar has 20 days to file an appeal against the fine, which was originally set at five million reais, or roughly $1 million.

Authorities discovered many environmental infractions at the opulent property, where workers were constructing an artificial lake and beach, on June 22, following accusations based on social media posts.

Authorities surrounded the area and issued a stop-all order, but Brazilian media said that Neymar hosted a party there and took a swim in the lake.

An AFP request for comment received no response from Neymar’s Brazilian press office.

Neymar, 31, underwent surgery on his right ankle in March in Doha, and he is now healing.

Since the striker hasn’t played since February, there are questions regarding whether he will remain at PSG.

However, In 2016, Neymar acquired the Mangaratiba home. Brazilian media reports state that the estate encompasses 10,000 square meters (107,000 square feet) of property and features a heliport, spa, and gym.