Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Iran Trip Amid Controversy

Embassy Responds to Ronaldo’s Alleged Punishment Claims

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent absence from Al-Nassr’s match in Iran has sparked rumors suggesting he faces severe legal repercussions due to a past incident involving an Iranian fan. However, these claims have been refuted by both the Iranian embassy and the player’s representatives.

In 2023, Ronaldo met Fatemeh Hammami, a disabled Iranian artist, during a visit to Iran. A gesture of appreciation—a hug and a kiss on the forehead—was later misinterpreted as an act of adultery under Iranian law, which can carry severe penalties, including corporal punishment. This misunderstanding led to widespread speculation about potential legal actions against the football star.

Addressing these concerns, the Iranian embassy has clarified that no legal proceedings or sentences, such as the rumored “99 lashes,” have been initiated against Ronaldo. They praised the meeting as a humanitarian gesture and stated that no complaints were filed.

Furthermore, Al-Nassr’s decision to exclude Ronaldo from the squad for the AFC Champions League match against Esteghlal in Tehran was attributed to concerns over potential infringements of Iranian law, not because of any legal action against him. The club prioritized the player’s safety and compliance with local regulations.