Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s recent Asian Champions League clash with Iranian side Esteghlal was not due to claims that he would face 99 lashes for adultery, according to the Iranian embassy.

The Portuguese superstar did not travel to Tehran for Monday’s match, having also missed Al-Nassr’s previous encounter in the competition against Persepolis, another Tehran-based club, last month.

Speculation had arisen that the 40-year-old was facing potential legal consequences in Iran due to an interaction with disabled Iranian painter Fatima Hamami in 2023. Ronaldo had greeted Hamami with a hug and a kiss, which reportedly violated Iranian law, where touching a married woman is considered adulterous.

However, the Iranian embassy has dismissed such reports, insisting that no legal action was ever taken against the footballer.




https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/ronaldo-didnt-miss-clash-with-esteghlal-over-fear-of-99-lashes-iran-embassy/