The Iranian embassy has denied reports suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo missed Al-Nassr’s recent Asian Champions League match against Iranian side Esteghlal because he could face 99 lashes for adultery.
The Portuguese star did not travel to Tehran for the match on Monday, having also missed Al-Nassr’s previous game in the competition against another Tehran-based club, Persepolis, last month.
There were rumours that Ronaldo, 40, could face legal issues in Iran after a 2023 meeting with Iranian artist Fatima Hamami. It was reported that Ronaldo hugged and kissed Hamami, which allegedly broke Iranian law, where touching a married woman can be seen as adultery.
However, the Iranian embassy has dismissed these claims, saying no legal action was taken against Ronaldo.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran,” an embassy spokesperson told talkSPORT. “His kind and respectful meeting with Fatima Hamami was praised by both the people and sports authorities in Iran.”
Reports from Saudi Arabia have suggested that Ronaldo missed the match because of muscle fatigue, not legal issues.
In the midst of the controversy, Hamami, who paints with her feet, defended Ronaldo, saying their meeting was entirely respectful. She gave him a painting of himself, and in return, Ronaldo gifted her one of his shirts.
Hamami expressed her gratitude towards Ronaldo, saying the accusations were unfounded.
“Unemployed lawyers made accusations without my or my family’s permission,” she said in 2023. “In Iran, he’s accused of a crime for hugging me, but we have no complaints. I am very thankful for Ronaldo’s kindness and love towards me. I hope he continues to succeed in life and football.”
“No one told him about the laws of Iran, and he didn’t know either. But his hug was a gesture of love and friendship, and he meant no harm.”
“My family and I have no complaints. We just want to clear Ronaldo’s name.”
