Iran reacts to reports of Ronaldo facing 99 strokes

Iran have issued a statement debunking the reports claiming that Al-Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, is facing 99 lashes for kissing artist Fatemeh Hamami.

The incident occurred when Ronaldo went on a trip to Iran with his Saudi Pro League club last month to face Persepolis in the AFC Champions League.

Before the game, Ronaldo met with Hamami in Tehran where she presented him with two portraits.

Hamami painted the portraits with her feet due to her paralysis.

During their meeting, the Portugal star hugged her and kissed her on the head, which led to claims that lawyers have filed charges against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for committing adultery.

It is well known fact that laws in Iran forbid affectionate gestures between a man and a woman who are not married.

However, a statement from the Iranian embassy in Spain read: “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 travelled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official football 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.”