Truth behind claim Ronaldo is facing 99 lashes in Iran as absence explained

Al Nassr are playing at Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League, but Ronaldo isn't in their squad despite playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Al Orubah last time out.

Several leading media outlets have claimed this is due to a meeting with a fan in 2023, with MARCA, RMC Sport and La Nacion citing complaints from lawyers over an act of 'adultery'.

In September 2023, Nassr played away at another Iranian side Persepolis, and Ronaldo greeted disabled fan Fatemeh Hammami at the team hotel.

The artist paints portraits with her feet, and has done many of the Portuguese legend, but by touching a married woman he was contravening Iranian law.

Media reports claimed he faced prosecution in the form of 99 lashes at the time, and have again claimed that's why he's not travelling to the country, however, the Iranian embassy have told talkSPORT otherwise.

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"We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran," a spokesperson said.

"His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country's sports authorities."

Further to their statement, the Saudi Gazette claims that Ronaldo isn't in the squad due to muscle fatigue.

In 2023, GOAL.com also quoted Hamami on the matter, refuting media claims.

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"Unemployed lawyers made accusations against him without my or my family's permission," she is quoted as saying.

"In Iran he has committed a crime for hugging me, while we have never had any complaints... I am very grateful to Ronaldo for his love and love towards me. I hope the best happens to him in life and football.

"No one told him anything about the laws of Iran and he didn't know it either, but Ronaldo's hug was for his love and brotherhood, and he had no bad intentions.

"My family and I have no complaints about this issue, we just want to deny these accusations against Cristiano."

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