In a decisive move, a Brazilian court has lifted the $3 million fine on Neymar for building a lake at his Rio mansion without a needed environmental license. The state environmental authority, INEA, found the project didn’t require the special permits initially believed necessary, leading Judge Adriana Ramos de Mello to declare the fines as causing “substantial, disproportionate, and even illegal prejudice” against Neymar.
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The fines, totaling 16 million reais ($3.3 million) issued by Mangaratiba’s town council, were for environmental violations including unauthorized construction and water diversion. However, INEA’s inspection revealed these activities didn’t require licenses, nullifying the infractions.
Neymar’s mansion, purchased in 2016 and equipped with a heliport, spa, and gym, sits about 80 miles outside Rio in Mangaratiba. This case highlights how complex the environmental regulation enforcement against high-profile individuals is and clarifies the legal standards for such construction projects.
