Brazil: Why Is Neymar Facing a $3.3 Million Punishment?

Neymar may be one of Brazil's biggest soccer stars, but the Brazilian government was not too happy with him and slapped him with a massive fine for breaking his own country's strict environmental laws. Apparently, Neymar built a lake in his mansion.

His mansion is located just outside Rio de Janeiro and the local government in the city of Mangaratiba is saying that the soccer star illegally built a lake there. Because of this, the government imposed a fine of over $3.3 million for violating local environmental regulations.

According to The Spun, the lake is reportedly 1,000 square meters in length and is reportedly one of the mansion's main fixtures. Neymar even swam in it after throwing a party to celebrate its completion. However, he might not be celebrating now after the fine that the Mangaratiba local government is imposing on him.

What Violations Did Neymar Do With His Private Artificial Lake?

The Mangaratiba City Hall revealed that Neymar, who is leaving Paris Saint-Germaine soon, was given four fines for illegally building the artificial lake. These four fines totaled 16 million Brazilian reals, which is around $3.3 million.

The local government also released a statement regarding Neymar's fine, saying, "Among the dozens of infractions that were noticed at the player's property are the start of an unauthorized construction which requires environmental control, capture of a river course and detouring it without authorization, moving rock and sand, suppressing vegetation without authorization, and non-compliance of an embargo."

The Associated Press obtained a city hall document that revealed that one of the fines Neymar incurred was related to his decision to swim in his artificial lake. Local authorities reportedly showed up to warn the soccer star not to swim in it "due to environmental consequences."

"The footballer was at the mansion on Friday and entered the lake, ignoring the restriction order made by the (environment) secretariat and local police, which showed up there the day before," said the document. However, Neymar could still appeal the decision, which will be given to Brazilian police for possible prosecution.

Neymar Returning to Barcelona After PSG?

While Neymar is still nursing his injury and enjoying his time back home in Brazil, the soccer superstar's departure from his current team, PSG, seems to be imminent. However, rumors state that he might go back to where his international success first began, FC Barcelona.

The Spanish side is said to be the frontrunner in running the Brazilian, though El Futbolero pointed out that PSG might be willing to accept an offer of close to 70 million euros for his transfer.

The transfer would re-energize Barcelona fans as Neymar was part of Barca's three-headed South American assault that included Argentinian Lionel Messi and Uruguayan Luis Suarez. While Barcelona failed to land Lionel Messi and Suarez might be retiring soon, the club still has hope in retaking Neymar, who has helped the club land championships.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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