Iranian Embassy in Madrid denies report that Cristiano Ronaldo was sentenced to ’99 lashings’ for ‘adultery’ after visit with disabled fan last month
The Al-Nassr star met with Iranian painter Fatemeh Hamami, who is 85 percent paralysed and a devoted fan of his, when traveling with the Saudi side during their AFC Champions League match against Persepolis in Iran last month.
Ronaldo was gifted a painting of himself from the artist and went on to embrace her as they posed for a picture.
According to Mundo Deportivo, a number of lawyers Iran have filed a criminal complaint about the hug, as touching a woman who is not your wife is seen as adultery in the country. The report states that the judicial system acted quickly and sentenced the 38-year-old to 99 lashes.
However, the embassy in Madrid has moved to dismiss such rumours, instead pointing out that his meeting with the artist was supported by the Iranian officials.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran,” a statement read.
“It is of concern that the publication of such ill founded news could cast a shadow over crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.”
“It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer 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.”