Neymar DENIES he is flouting Covid rules to host a 500-person New Year’s bash in Brazil

Neymar has denied flouting Covid-19 rules to host a five-day party for 500 people at his mansion in Brazil after local authorities slammed the footballer.

Local reports in Mangaratiba, close to Rio de Janeiro, say the Paris Saint-Germain star began the party on December 25 with the intention of continuing until the New Year.

Eyewitnesses claimed scores of guests have been arriving and leaving with Neymar banning mobile phones to keep the bash secret and also sound-proofing an annexe of the mansion to prevent neighbours hearing the noise.

Neymar (top row, centre right) poses for a picture on Christmas day with sister Rafaella Santos (right), son Davi Luca (bottom, centre left), his mum Nadine Goncalves (top row, centre left), his father Neymar Sr (bottom row, centre right) and close friend Jota Amancio (left)

The Paris Saint-Germain star has denied that the 500-person party is even taking place

The Paris Saint-Germain star has denied that the 500-person party is even taking place

CNN Brasil reported that Neymar’s representatives denied the party is taking place at all but the City of Mangaratiba has criticised him for ‘hurting sanitary principles.’

The coronavirus death toll in Brazil recently surpassed 190,000, behind only the United States in the global tally. The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases stands at 7.5million, more than any other country except the USA and India.

In a statement, the local authority said it was ‘not officially notified of the party and that an event for 500 people should, at least, have been notified to the municipality.’

A source from the local government told CNN: ‘There is no way to legislate at a particular event but if Neymar has a party here (Mangaratiba), he is seriously hurting sanitary principles, the decrees in force and the recommendations of city hall to only hold small family parties.

‘The population is dissatisfied with the party and the repercussions involving the name of the city. The event is a sanitary disrespect and totally absurd.’

Neymar’s 10,000 square metre property boasts six suites, a helipad, tennis court, heated underground cellar with capacity for 3,000 bottles of wine, an underground nightclub, a spa with heated jacuzzi, steam sauna, massage room, gym and jetty for motorboats.

Neymar and guests pictured at his New Year's Eve party back in 2019

Neymar and guests pictured at his New Year’s Eve party back in 2019

Neymar (left) was ruled out for the rest of 2020 following a challenge by Thiago Mendes (right)

Neymar (left) was ruled out for the rest of 2020 following a challenge by Thiago Mendes (right)

CNN said local hotels had reported a spike in bookings from guests attending the party.

Those invited to the bash reportedly include his sister Rafaella Santos and Brazilian influencer Camila Loures.

Neymar’s last Instagram post two days ago showed him with his family including his son Davi Luca, nine, and his divorced parents in front of a Christmas tree surrounded with presents.

The PSG star was feared to have broken his ankle after being taken off on a stretcher during a Ligue 1 match clash with Lyon earlier this month.

But subsequent medical examinations were said to have been ‘reassuring’ although the 28-year-old was ruled out for the rest of 2020.

Neymar’s lavish parties have made headlines in the past.

Neymar (front, centre) hosted his PSG team-mates and their WAGs at his 28th birthday party

Neymar (front, centre) hosted his PSG team-mates and their WAGs at his 28th birthday party

The Brazilian poses with Lyon forward Memphis Depay during the bash at YoYo club in Paris

The Brazilian poses with Lyon forward Memphis Depay during the bash at YoYo club in Paris

Former Manchester United player Ander Herrera revealed earlier this year how the Brazilian split team-mates into two groups on different floors of a Paris nightclub for his 28th birthday bash in February.

Married players partied on the top floor while those who were single were set up on the bottom floor so they could ‘have a good time.’ 

Asked what happened at the party on Spanish TV show The Resistance, Herrera responded: ‘What didn’t happen!’

Neymar turned up for the bash at YOYO close to the Eiffel Tower looking dapper in a white hat.

Neymar and his team-mates dressed all in white for the Brazilian's birthday earlier this year

Neymar and his team-mates dressed all in white for the Brazilian’s birthday earlier this year

Mangaratiba is one of three municipalities on the Green Coast, a chain of mountains covered by the rich Atlantic rainforest.

In front of the mountains lies the sea of the Angra dos Reis Bay.