Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo
The Iranian government has responded to claims that Cristiano Ronaldo would have been convicted and subjected to 99 lashes if he had traveled to the country as part of the Al Nassr contingent for their game against Esteghlal FC in the Asian Champions League.
Earlier reports suggested that Ronaldo missed the match due to fears of being handed ninety-nine (99) lashes for kissing an Iranian football fan in 2023.
It will be recalled that Ronaldo faced backlash for hugging and kissing prominent Iranian artist Fatima Hamimi on the forehead.
This act by Ronaldo was seen as a blatant disregard for Iranian laws, subjecting him to 99 lashes.
Due to that, when it first emerged that Ronaldo was not going to be in the Al Nassr squad for the game played on the night of Monday, March 3, 2025, speculations were rife that it was due to the 2023 incident.
However, a spokesperson for the Iranian embassy who spoke to UK-based talkSPORT denied the rumors, clarifying that Ronaldo’s apology after the incident was accepted by the country.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran,” a spokesperson told talkSPORT.
“His sincere and humane meeting with Fatima Hamimi was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities,” the spokesperson added.
In the absence of Ronaldo, Al Nassr drew a blank against Esteghlal, with the game ending 0-0.
Meanwhile watch as Ghanaians debate the appointment of Jordan Ayew as Black Stars below:
EK
