The Iranian Embassy in Madrid has refuted recent claims regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s alleged sentencing to ’99 lashings’ for an incident following his visit with a disabled fan last month.
During his trip with Al-Nassr for an AFC Champions League match against Persepolis in Iran, Ronaldo met with the talented Iranian painter, Fatemeh Hamami, who is 85 percent paralyzed and an ardent admirer of his.
During this meeting, the artist presented Ronaldo with a painting of himself, and they shared a warm embrace while posing for a photograph.
However, Mundo Deportivo reported that a group of lawyers in Iran had filed a criminal complaint based on the hug, citing the country’s strict views on interactions between men and women who are not married.
According to the report, the judicial system acted swiftly, leading to a purported sentencing of 99 lashes for the 38-year-old football star.
However, the embassy in Madrid has moved to dismiss such rumours, instead pointing out that his meeting with the artist was supported by the Iranian officials.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran,” a statement read.
“It is of concern that the publication of such ill founded news could cast a shadow over 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.”
