Iran denies plan to sentence Ronaldo to 99 lashes for adultery

After reports emerged that Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could be sentenced to 99 lashes for adultery in Iran, the country’s embassy to Spain refuted these claims, explaining that the Al Nassr forward is welcome to return to the country at any time. 

Ronaldo played in Iran during Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League game against Persopolis and was pictured posing with Iranian artist Fatima Hamimi, who gifted him two paintings of himself. 

The Al Nassr captain hugged and kissed Hamimi, who is disabled and paints with her feet, on the cheek as the artist presented her paintings to Ronaldo, but the Portuguese player was rumoured to be in trouble for his gesture since Hamimi is married. 

According to earlier reports, Ronaldo had fallen foul of Iranian laws against adultery which forbid people in relationships from touching other married women, but the country has debunked any possibility of a punishment for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. 

Iran’s embassy released a statement regarding the rumours, saying, “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran.

“It is a matter of concern that the publication of such unfounded news could overshadow crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.

Iran’s embassy also explained the situation further, saying, “It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official football match and was very well received by the people and the authorities. 

“His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”

The Portuguese legend is certainly welcome back to Iran whenever he wants, and this will certainly come as a relief to both the player and his club, Al Nassr, who could encounter more Iranian clubs as they progress in the AFC Champions League.