Islamic Republic Of Iran Refutes Reports Of Ronaldo’s Sentencing

The Iranian Embassy in Madrid has denied reports that Cristiano Ronaldo was sentenced to 99 lashes in Iran for alleged ‘adultery’.

Ronaldo travelled to Iran with Al-Nassr in September when they faced Persepolis in the group stage of the Asian Champions League.

During the visit, the Portuguese superstar met Iranian painter painter Fatima Hamimi, a disabled artist who presented him some potraits.

Hamimi, who is reportedly 85 per cent paralysed, was thrilled to meet Ronaldo, with the 38-year-old greeting her by giving her a hug and kissing her on the cheek.

Reports in Spain claimed the picture of the pair meeting angered Iranian lawyers, who subsequently reported him for committing adultery.

In Iranian law, touching a woman who isn’t your wife is the equivalent to adultery.

Sharq Emroz, a TV station in the country, said the Iranian justice system had already sentenced the football icon to 99 lashes and would be arrested next time he travels to Iran.

However, the Iranian Embassy in Madrid has now released a statement to rubbish the reports.

“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.