The father of Paris Saint-Germain's star player Neymar, Neymar da Silva Santos, has been detained in Brazil over accusations of environmental misconduct linked to renovation work on his son's luxury property in Mangaratiba, according to Portuguese media entity UOL Sport.
Under the scrutiny of Neymar's father, renovation efforts on the luxury estate could land the football star a hefty fine, reportedly up to $1 million (£786,429), as per The National News.
Neymar's father was present on-site when Brazilian environmental authorities carried out their inspection. A video disseminated by Brazilian news outlet Metrópoles showed da Silva Santos in a heated conversation with Mangaratiba's Secretary of Environment, Shayenne Barreto. Following this encounter, Neymar Senior was apprehended but later secured his release through bail.
It's believed that social media complaints triggered the official investigation which unveiled multiple environmental violations. These included unauthorized rerouting of a watercourse, illicit extraction of river water, and prohibited excavation and relocation of soil, stones, and rocks, along with the use of beach sand without proper permissions.
Accusations also include Neymar's alleged construction of an artificial lake using river water, an activity purportedly linked to deforestation, rock destruction, and the diversion of a river.
"In view of the environmental harm inflicted, the ensuing step involves assessing the irregularities and imposing a penalty, projected to be no less than five million reais [approximately $1 million]," as stated by the mayor's office.
Brazilian authorities have temporarily halted the construction on Neymar's property due to these "environmental infractions." The luxurious estate, located approximately 130 kms (80 miles) from Rio de Janeiro, was reportedly undergoing construction "without environmental approval," as per a statement from the mayor's office cited by The National News.
Acquired in 2016, Neymar's opulent abode, equipped with a helipad, spa, and gym, spans 10,000 square meters (2.5 acres). The Mangaratiba Municipal Environment Department is spearheading the mission to halt the unlawful construction at Neymar's property, aided by the Environmental Military Police and the municipality's Environmental Protection Group.
These developments emerge just a day after Neymar's public apology to his pregnant girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, following accusations of infidelity by blogger Fernanda Campos, who posted screenshots of her conversations with the footballer.
Neymar, father to an 11-year-old from a previous relationship, recently announced Biancardi's pregnancy. The footballer didn't divulge any specifics about his indiscretions in his Instagram post but mentioned his attempts to "justify the unjustifiable" in the face of Biancardi's "suffering."
Neymar, who is recovering from an ankle surgery in Doha, is currently under contract with PSG until 2025, but there are rumors of a potential departure from Parc des Princes this summer.
