Cancellation of a large fine imposed on Neymar due to environmental damage

The fine of more than three million dollars against Brazilian star Neymar, related to accusations of “polluting” the environment during the construction of an artificial lake on his property, was cancelled, according to a judicial decision seen by Agence France-Presse on Tuesday.

The municipal authorities in Mangaratiba, a coastal city located 130 km from Rio, imposed this fine in July 2023. The former French Paris Saint-Germain star owns a villa in this area.

The 32-year-old attacker was accused of causing “pollution” of the water by discharging construction waste into the sea.

Among the “dozens of violations” recorded by the authorities were: “carrying out works subject to environmental control without a license,” withdrawing and diverting river water without permission, and “removing soil and uprooting plants without a permit.”

But the court in Rio de Janeiro state ruled to “nullify” the fine due to gaps in the investigation, after it had been temporarily suspended in 2024.

The judge explained that the accusations were based only on “photographs and videos sent” in October 2019 “via an anonymous report.”

Neymar’s defense team submitted a technical report stating that the water quality in the area, during the period in which the remains of the works were supposed to have been disbursed, remained within acceptable limits.

He said, “The investigation was opened because of the huge media hype that accompanied the case, and only because the matter concerns a world-famous athlete.”

Neymar, the Seleção’s all-time top scorer (79 goals in 128 international matches), returned last season to the ranks of his parent club, Santos, but his repeated injuries severely affected his level, which prevented Italian Carlo Ancelotti, coach of the five-time world champions, from summoning him.

The player still hopes to participate in the 2026 World Cup (from June 11 to July 19), even though he has not participated with the national team since October 2023.