In an incredible story, Cristiano Ronaldo sports outlets reported that the soccer star could be sentenced to 99 lashes in Iran for adultery. The Portuguese player traveled to that country a few weeks ago with his team, Al-Nassr, to face Persepolis in the Asian Champions League.
Why Could Cristiano Ronaldo Be Whipped?
During his trip to Iran, Cristiano Ronaldo met the famous Iranian painter, Fatemeh Hamami, who gave him some of her works. Hamimi, who is 85 percent paralyzed, was thrilled to meet the soccer star. The 38-year-old greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. However, that image has gone viral on social networks because several lawyers in that country have denounced Cristiano Ronaldo for allegedly committing adultery with that action.
In Iranian law, touching a woman who is not your wife is tantamount to adultery. Given this scenario, several state media reports that the authorities in that country would have a sentence of 99 lashes ready for Cristiano Ronaldo. The sentence would be served the next time he travels to the country.
If arrested, Cristiano Ronaldo could be forced to receive his punishment of 99 lashes, although the sentence could be pardoned by a judge if the “acts are not punishable or if Ronaldo shows remorse.”
Will the Punishment Proceed?
So, is this true? Although serious media outlets reported the news and there are lawyers involved in a formal complaint, Iranian authorities is now refuting the alleged punishment. Better said, the Iranian embassy in Spain, where Ronaldo has a huge fan base, posted on X, former Twitter, that they “strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran.”
“It is a matter of concern that the publication of such unfounded news could overshadow crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation. It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official football 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.”
So, it seems that only a small group of people were extremely concerned by Cristiano Ronaldo’s caring actions and he has nothing to worry about!
This story was written in Spanish by Miguel Fernández in Cultura Colectiva News