Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain is facing a $1 million punishment after the building of his Brazilian residence was halted.
The property in issue, which was purchased in 2016, is believed to sit on a 2.5 acre plot with a spa and helipad and is located in the seaside town of Mangaratiba, which is located south of Rio de Janeiro. Neymar wants to build a luxury home for his family in the area, but many environmental infractions involving the usage and transportation of fresh water sources, stones, and boulders – including diverting a river and moving beach sand without a permit – have caused development to be halted.
WHAT THEY SAID: Having been alerted by complaints on social media, the local mayor’s office has said in a statement: “The next step will be to make an assessment of the irregularities found and issue a fine which, according to estimates and in view of the environmental damage caused, will not be less than five million reais [about $1 million].”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The Brazil international’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos, was on site during the inspections and was caught on camera arguing with officials. He was threatened with arrest, but was ultimately not detained.
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WHAT NEXT? Neymar has been out of action since February, as he recovers from surgery on his right ankle, and questions are being asked of his future at PSG as the 31-year-old is linked with a return to Barcelona or summer transfer to the Premier League.
