The Iranian Embassy in Spain has responded to reports suggesting that Cristiano Ronaldo could be subject to a 99-lash punishment for hugging and kissing a female fan during his visit to Iran for an AFC Champions League match.

 

In a statement issued on October 14, the embassy vehemently opposed any reports related to penalties for international athletes visiting Iran, particularly in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo. The statement highlighted Ronaldo’s visit to Iran on September 18 and 19 for an official match, during which he received a warm welcome from the public and officials. His sincere and humanitarian interactions with Fatemeh Hamami were highly commendable, inspiring the Iranian people and sports community.

 

Subsequently, several Iranian lawyers filed legal complaints against the 39-year-old forward, alleging a violation of Islamic law. According to Iran’s Sharq Emroz TV channel, Ronaldo’s actions were classified as extramarital affairs, which could potentially result in imprisonment and a 99-lash penalty if he were to return to Iran.

 

Ronaldo transferred to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia in January 2023, where he had to adapt to the lifestyle and culture of the predominantly Islamic nation. Ronaldo, who is unmarried, is prohibited from cohabitating with his girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, under Islamic law. However, Saudi authorities have relaxed this rule. Rodriguez, in accordance with Islamic dress code regulations, is also required to dress modestly in public.

 

Al Nassr currently ranks third in the Saudi Pro League with 19 points from nine matches, trailing the league leaders, Al Hilal, by four points. Ronaldo has scored ten goals in eight appearances in the Saudi Pro League and one goal in two AFC Champions League matches this season. In the match against Persepolis, he didn’t score, but Al Nassr won 2-0 despite being a man down.

Last Friday, Ronaldo scored a brace to help Portugal defeat Slovakia 3-2, securing their place in the Euro 2024 finals th three matches to spare. As a result, he became the first player in history to qualify for six Euro tournaments. If he features in Portugal’s squad in Germany in the summer of 2024, Ronaldo will become the first player to participate in six Euro championships. He currently holds the record for most goals in the tournament, with 14 goals, including two in 2004, one in 2008, three in 2012, three in 2016, and five in 2020.