In a shocking development, Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, has found himself in a serious controversy as he has been sentenced to 99 lashes by Iran. As per reports, Cristiano Ronaldo will have to bear 99 lashes the next time he visits Iran. Notably, Ronaldo, the most followed sportsperson in the world, recently visited Iran & received a hero welcome when Al Nassr played Persepolis in the group stage of the Asian Champions League. Now, the question arises what did Cristiano Ronaldo do, or why is Cristiano Ronaldo facing 99 lashes punishment? To know the answer continue reading-
Why Ronaldo has been sentenced to 99 lashes?
The answer is adultery. No, Cristiano Ronaldo did not sleep with any other woman during his visit to Iran but he hugged a fan in the Islamic country. To be precise, Ronaldo hugged a specially-abled Iranian woman painter after she gifted the footballer a painting made by her.
The woman painter named Fatima Hamimi landed CR7 in trouble with some of the country's stringent laws. As per reports, Hamimi is an artist based in Persepolis. She is 85 percent paralysed and uses a wheelchair to move from one place to another. She does not have the use of her hands and instead paints using her feet.
After receiving a beautiful gift from Hamimi, Ronaldo in a warm gesture hugged the painter and kissed her on the cheek. This warm gesture by CR7 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.
For those who are unaware, Cristiano Ronaldo has been in a relationship with model Georgina Rodriguez since 2016 and they have two children together, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda.
Iranian TV station Sharq Emroz stated 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. However, the sentence will be quashed if Ronaldo "shows remorse" for his actions, reported Iranian media.
As of now, Ronaldo will not have to travel to Iran again for the group stage of the Champions League. If he visits the country, he will have to bear 99 lashes.
Iranian Embassy in Spain issues statement Ronaldo's 99 lashes report
The Iranian Embassy in Spain has denied the news of Ronaldo facing "99 lashes" for an Iranian adultery charge. In its official statement, the Iranian Embassy wrote (translated version), "We 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 traveled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer 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."