MEDIA in Iran are reporting that Cristiano Ronaldo could face 99 lashes for adultery next time he steps foot in the country.
The reports, from Mundo Deportivo, come after the former Manchester United forward received a hero’s welcome in the country when Al Nassr played Persepolis in the group stage of the Asian Champions League.
Instagram @fatemehamamiRonaldo is said to have been sentenced to 99 lashes for hugging a painter to say thank you for her gift to him[/caption]
As part of Ronaldo‘s welcome to the country he was showered with gifts from adoring fans which included customised Persian rugs and paintings of the footballer.
And it is the paintings he received from artist Fatima Hamimi that has landed him in trouble with some of the country’s zealous legislators.
Hamimi, an artist based in Persepolis, is 85% paralysed and uses a wheelchair for mobility.
She does not have the use of her hands and instead uses her feet to paint her artwork.
To thank Hamimi for his gift, Ronaldo allegedly exchanged a hug with the painter and kissed her on the cheek.
This angered a group of religiously strict lawyers in Iran because under Iranian law, touching a woman when in a relationship is a form of adultery.
Ronaldo has been in a relationship with model Georgina Rodriguez since 2016 and they have two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda.
Rodriguez is also mother to his three other children, eldest child Cristiano Jnr, and twins Eva and Mateo, who were born via surrogate.
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Rodriguez and the kids followed Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia when he joined Al-Nassr, in a deal which was confirmed on New Year’s Eve last year.
Mundo Deportivo report that Iranian TV station Sharq Emroz say that a sentence has already been handed down to Ronaldo and he will be subjected to 99 lashes for adultery next time he enters the country.
But according to Marca, the sentence will be quashed if Ronaldo “shows remorse” for thanking the painter.
Ronaldo will not have to travel to Iran again for the group stage of the Champions League but it is possible they could draw an Iranian team in the knockout rounds and therefore cause complications for the forward.
Away from the forward’s Iran controversy, Ronaldo has reportedly told Al Nassr he would like to extend his contract with the club.
The forward has set his sights on playing at the 2026 World Cup and would like to extend his contract with the Saudi club until 2027 to do so.
Ronaldo would be 41 by the time the 2026 World Cup rolls around, which will be hosted by the US and Mexico.