Tottenham forward Richarlison has called on Brazilian federal police to investigate Senator Flavio Bolsonaro over the alleged unlawful takeover of his private island. The player claims Bolsonaro seized the island without making any payment.
Island purchase and interest
The island was bought during the Covid-19 pandemic and attracted interest from several prospective buyers, including Bolsonaro. However, Richarlison refused to sell it to him.
In a video posted on social media, Richarlison said: "Between 2020 and 2021, I bought the island. Several potential buyers then came forward, but I didn't want to sell it. Flavio Bolsonaro was among those interested. He even used a drone to film the island from above, and there's a video of it on his Instagram."
Alleged takeover and legal claims
Richarlison alleged that Bolsonaro and Willian Tomas took possession of the island within 24 hours, exploiting a court process. He said: "But I didn't want to sell the island to him and they took advantage of the situation in court. We were sorting out the paperwork (documentation for the island's ownership), and they said it would take months or even years to resolve."
"Flavio Bolsonaro and this guy Willian Tomas went there and, in 24 hours, took possession of the island. That's where the justice system failed," he added.
Financial impact and appeal
Richarlison stated he spent around R$ 10 million (around £1.5 million) on the island and has received nothing. He said: "Those guys took the island without spending a penny, as far as I know. I have no received a penny and I spent around R$ 10 million (around £1.5million) there and received nothing."
He appealed for help, saying: "I'm asking the federal police to help and investigate this properly because we want answers. I want to recover my money, not get the island back." He also pledged to donate part of any recovered money to a hospital in his hometown.
Richarlison called on supporters to demand answers from Bolsonaro ahead of the presidential run-off against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, scheduled for Sunday, October 25.
Club situation
The Brazilian has been left out of Roberto De Zerbi's 25-man Premier League squad after failing to leave Tottenham during the summer transfer window. He has since played for Spurs' Under-21s, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Cheltenham Town in the Jersey Mike's Trophy, though the League Two side won on penalties. His only Premier League appearance this season was a 68-minute outing in a 3-0 loss to Brentford.
