Al Nassr travels to Iran without Cristiano because he could face 99 lashes for adultery

Al Nassr Travels to Iran Without Cristiano Ronaldo Amid Shocking Legal Concern

Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr recently traveled to Iran for their AFC Champions League fixture, but one notable name was missing from the squad—Cristiano Ronaldo. Reports suggest that the Portuguese superstar was left out due to a bizarre legal issue in Iran, where he could allegedly face 99 lashes for adultery.

The controversy dates back to Ronaldo’s previous visit to Iran in September 2023 when Al Nassr played Persepolis in the AFC Champions League group stage. During that trip, Ronaldo met with an Iranian fan—a disabled artist named fatemeh Hamami—who had painted a portrait of him. In a widely circulated video, Ronaldo was seen hugging and interacting warmly with Hamami, a gesture that was seen as a sign of appreciation.

However, Iranian law is strict regarding physical contact between unmarried men and women, especially in public settings. Some reports claim that local authorities interpreted Ronaldo’s interaction as a violation of the country’s morality laws, which could theoretically result in a sentence of 99 lashes as punishment for “adultery.”

While the claim has gained traction online, there is no official confirmation from Iranian authorities that Ronaldo is under any legal threat. Iranian judicial officials have not publicly issued a warrant or summons against him, leading many to believe the rumors might be exaggerated or misinterpreted.

Additionally, Iranian media outlets have reported that if Ronaldo were found guilty of any offense under Islamic law, he would likely receive a symbolic forgiveness due to his international status and the goodwill he generated during his visit.

Despite the uncertainty, Al Nassr opted to travel to Iran without their star player, possibly as a precautionary measure to avoid any potential complications. The club has not provided an official explanation for Ronaldo’s absence, but many speculate that the legal controversy played a role in their decision.

This isn’t the first time political and cultural issues have affected football fixtures in the region. Clubs and players traveling to different countries often face unique challenges, from visa restrictions to cultural sensitivities.

The news of Ronaldo’s potential legal trouble has sparked massive reactions from fans worldwide. While some criticized the legal system for its strict rules, others dismissed the reports as sensationalism and urged people to wait for official statements.

One fan tweeted: “99 lashes for showing appreciation? This is unreal!”

Another wrote: “Al Nassr is playing it safe. Ronaldo’s global status means any legal issue would be a major diplomatic headache.”

At this stage, it remains unclear if Ronaldo will face any real legal consequences in Iran. However, given the attention the case has received, Iranian authorities might issue a formal clarification** soon.

For now, Al Nassr will proceed with their Champions League campaign without their biggest star, while Ronaldo stays in Saudi Arabia, avoiding any unnecessary risks.

Would you travel to a country where you could face legal trouble over a misunderstanding? Let us know your thoughts!