Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel to Iran for Al-Nassr’s match against Esteghlal in the Asian Champions League. Some reports claimed he avoided the trip because he could face 99 lashes for “adultery.” However, Iran’s embassy denied these rumors.
The claims said that Ronaldo broke Iranian law by hugging and kissing Fatima Hamami, a disabled artist, during their meeting in 2023.
Iranian law considers touching a married woman as adultery. But Iran’s embassy dismissed this, saying no court ruling was issued against him. They also praised Ronaldo’s meeting with Hamami, calling it “sincere and humane.”
Reports from Saudi Arabia suggest that Ronaldo missed the match due to muscle fatigue, not because of legal issues in Iran. He also missed Al-Nassr’s previous game in Tehran against Persepoli
Hamami, who paints with her feet, defended Ronaldo. She explained that some people made false accusations without her or her family’s permission. She appreciated Ronaldo’s kindness and said his hug was a gesture of love and brotherhood. Her family had no complaints about their interaction.
