Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison has accused Brazilian presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro of taking possession of his private island without payment, alleging that the senator and his associates exploited the legal system to seize the property
The Brazil international made the allegations in a video shared on social media, claiming he invested about 10 million reals in the property between 2020 and 2021 but received nothing after losing possession of it.
Bolsonaro, the son of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, dismissed the allegations as “fake news”.
Richarlison said the dispute began after he rejected an offer to sell the island, located along the coast of Rio de Janeiro.
“I did not want to sell him the island,” the former Everton forward said. “Since I refused, these people took advantage of the situation in court.”
The 29-year-old alleged that Bolsonaro and his associate, Willer Tomaz, subsequently took control of the property through legal proceedings.
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“Flavio Bolsonaro and this man, Willer Tomaz, went there and took possession of the island in 24 hours,” he said.
“That is where the justice system failed. To my knowledge, they took the island without paying a single penny. I invested about 10 million reals (£1.4m/$1.7m) there and I have recovered nothing.”
Richarlison’s allegations have drawn attention in Brazil as the country approaches the second round of its presidential election on October 25.
Bolsonaro responded to the claims in the comments section of a video posted by Brazilian influencer and singer Juliette, describing them as “fake news”.
Richarlison challenged the denial with a brief reply: “And my island?”
The dispute has brought the footballer’s property allegations into the political spotlight, although the claims remain allegations and have not, on the information provided, been established as fact.
Meanwhile, Richarlison is also experiencing a difficult period at Tottenham, where he has been left out of the club’s 25-man Premier League squad for the current campaign under head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
The striker, who failed to secure a move away during the summer transfer window, has instead been playing for Tottenham’s Under-21 side.
Despite his club difficulties, Richarlison has remained vocal on issues concerning his native Brazil.
His latest remarks have now sparked a public exchange with a prominent political figure as he seeks answers over the disputed island.
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