Posted on: July 5, 2023, 03:47h.
Last updated on: July 5, 2023, 03:47h.
Neymar, the Brazilian soccer superstar and ambassador to online sportsbook Blaze, is facing trouble for creating an environmental catastrophe that he calls an artificial lake, as he potentially prepares to leave French club Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). He is now in a legal mess in his home country.
The Associated Press reports that Neymar has been sanctioned by a Brazilian court and must pay BRL16 million (roughly $3.3 million) for failing to comply with current environmental regulations. This fine is a result of the construction of the artificial lake and beach on his mansion’s property in Mangaratiba.
Although Neymar has the option to appeal the decision, it may be difficult due to the numerous violations committed. His response to the authorities suggests that he doesn’t plan on taking action.
Careless Disregard
A Ministry of Environment intervention occurred after neighboring residents near Neymar’s home reported suspicious activity. Trucks delivering stones, sand, palm trees, and even an excavator raised concerns about illegal construction.
Neymar’s mansion is located in Mangaratiba, providing panoramic views of the South Atlantic Ocean in the front and rolling green hills and mountains in the back.
The Ministry of Environment identified dozens of environmental violations committed by Neymar during the construction, including unauthorized work, collection and diversion of river water, and removal of land and vegetation without permission.
The company Genesis Ecosistemas, which helped build the artificial lake, shared details of the illegal body of water on social media. They stated that it covers 1,000 square meters (10,763 square feet).
Neymar is also facing a charge of contempt after authorities explicitly told him not to swim in the artificial lake during their visit. Disregarding their warning, he immediately jumped in.
The Mangaratiba local council may impose additional fines on Neymar as they review the incident and consider other potential charges.
Neymar Back To Spain
Recent information from FC Barcelona suggests that the club is willing to part ways with Neymar. A transfer deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is reportedly in progress.
While nothing is finalized yet and PSG previously expressed reluctance due to high financial demands from Barcelona, Fox Sports Mexico reports that PSG has become more open to the idea.
At 31 years old, Neymar is approaching the average retirement age for soccer players, which is 35. His off-field behavior and continuous controversies may contribute to his uncertain future.
A return to Barcelona would bring mixed emotions for Neymar. In 2013, he moved from Brazilian club Santos to Barcelona, winning a Champions League title while also facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit.
The Champions League victory occurred in 2015, two years before Neymar’s transfer to PSG. At the time, DIS, a Brazilian sports investment company, held 40% of Neymar’s “rights.” DIS accused Neymar, his family, Barcelona, and others of manipulating the transfer deal, resulting in a reduction in DIS’s percentage of the transfer price.
A legal battle unfolded in Spain with DIS pushing for Neymar to face imprisonment. However, in October of last year, a court judge dismissed the lawsuit as Brazil prepared for the World Cup.