Brazilian football player Neymar is under investigation for allegedly hosting a New Year’s
Eve mega-party at his luxury home near Rio de Janeiro, despite public safety
measures to prevent rising COVID-19 cases, said Brazilian prosecutors told AFP
on Wednesday.

The investigation began after receiving “several claims”, based on information from the press, about the party hosted by the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) forward, a statement by the Rio Prosecutor’s Office said.

The player’s
close sources refuted the rumours about any lavish party, which was later confirmed
by the player as well after he shared pictures of himself with a friend on a
yacht off a beach in the southern state of Santa Catarina.

Also read: Neymar lawyers refute footballer’s week-long New Year revelry reports

However, the
prosecutor’s office also urged Neymar, as well as the exclusive community where
his mansion is located and another neighbouring residential complex, to urgently
provide clarifications as to “the number of guests, the organisation of
parties and any health measures they might have put in place.”

One of Neymar’s assistants told AFP he had did not know
whether the player will welcome 2021 in his luxury mansion in Mangaratiba, a
small town 130 km (85 miles) from Rio, or if he will stay in Santa Catarina.

According to media reports, the alleged New Year party was
attended by 150-500 people.

This alleged incident resulted in the player’s criticism at a
time when Brazilian scientists are continuously warning for social distancing and
isolation to prevent the surge in COVID-19 numbers.

Also read: Neymar ‘expected’ for Paris Saint-Germain return in January

An AFP team, on Wednesday, reached Neymar’s
mansion but did not find any party preparation signs there.

Brazil is one of the worst-hit countries by the pandemic in
the world with over 194,000 deaths.