Iranian embassy denies reports of Cristiano Ronaldo facing '99 lashes' in the country

The Portuguese star didn’t participate in Al-Nassr’s previous game due to fitness issues.

The Iranian embassy has denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to “99 lashes” in Iran for allegedly engaging in “adultery” with a disabled admirer.

Al-Nassr’s traveling team for the opening leg of their AFC Champions League last-16 matchup with Esteghlal did not include Portuguese sensation CR7. He played the entire ninety minutes in a Saudi Pro League loss to Al-Orubah on February 28, therefore, his absence was rather unexpected.

There were rumors that Ronaldo had decided against traveling to Iran because of the alleged sanctions he would encounter if he went there. At Al-Nassr’s team hotel in 2023, he met with fan Fatemeh Hammami before their match vs Persepolis.

Hammami is an artist who uses her feet to paint. She showed Ronaldo some of the art she had worked on. The renowned frontman accepted the gifts, but he broke Iranian law by touching a married woman (on shoulders), which led to the rumors of “99 lashes.”

In a response provided to talkSPORT, the Iranian embassy refuted the allegations by stating via a spokesperson:

 “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran. His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”

However, there was some other reason Ronaldo didn’t travel with the squad to face Esteghlal in the AFC round of 16. Following Al-Nassr’s 0-0 draw with Esteghlal, it has since been claimed that Ronaldo missed the match because of muscle tiredness and is not taking any chances with his fitness at 40. He has been playing this season regularly and barely getting any rest.

The seasoned forward, who has scored 25 goals in 30 games in all competitions this season, hopes to lead his side to the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League Elite titles this season.

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