Al-Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo risks being punished according to Iranian laws for getting too cozy with a female fan.
Rouydad24 reports that the 38-year-old Portuguese playmaker will face 99 lashes if he ever returns to Iran.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner met up with his fan, artist Fatima while travelling to Iran for an Asian Champions League match against local team Persepolis in September.
Ronaldo hugged and kissed the girl, which is considered a severe violation of Iranian law when outside of matrimony. However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has not yet been formally charged.
He is currently with the Portugal national team as they prepare to take on Slovakia and Bosnia & Herzegovina in EURO qualifiers on Friday and Monday, respectively.
Iran have debunked reports claiming that Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, is facing 99 lashes for kissing artist Fatemeh Hamami.
The incident happened when Ronaldo travelled to Iran with his Saudi Pro League club last month to face Persepolis in the AFC Champions League.
Before the game, Ronaldo met with Hamami in Tehran where she presented him with two portraits.
Hamami painted the portraits with her feet due to her paralysis.
During their meeting, Ronaldo hugged her and kissed her on the head. His actions led to reports that lawyers have filed charges against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for committing adultery.
Law in Iran forbids affectionate gestures between a man and a woman who are not married.
However, a statement from the Iranian embassy in Spain read: “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran.
“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.”
