The Iran Embassy in Spain ‘vehemently denied’ stories that Cristiano Ronaldo faces 99 lashes for adultery.
This comes after Iranian media reported, according to Mundo Deportivo, that lawyers in the country had filed a complaint against Al-Nassr after photos of him hugging international painter Fatima Hamimi surfaced online.
The incident occurred during the Portuguese superstar’s September visit to the country.
However, the Iranian Embassy in Spain has denied claims that the footballer will face sanctions if he returns to the country, instead applauding Ronaldo’s gesture.
A statement from the embassy read: “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran.
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“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.
“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.”
Ronaldo, who is dating Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, travelled to Tehran, Iran’s capital, with Al-Nassr to face Persepolis in the Asian Champions League group stage in September.
While there, Ronaldo met Iranian painter Fatima Hamimi, who wanted to present him with a painting she had created especially for him.
Ronaldo is said to have kissed her on the cheek and given her a signed shirt, and he also posed for a photo in which he hugged her, which enraged Iranian lawyers.
This is because, according to Iranian law, touching a married woman constitutes adultery.
Hamimi is said to be ‘85% paralyzed’ and is a huge fan of the Portuguese star.
According to the Iranian network Sharq Emroz, the Iranian justice system reacted quickly to the photo of the pair and sentenced Ronaldo to 99 lashes the next time he visits Iran, according to Mundo Deportivo.
