Is Cristiano Ronaldo facing '99 lashes' in Iran for act of 'adultery' with disabled fan? Country's embassy explains claims after Al-Nassr superstar missed AFC Champions League visit

Portuguese superstar CR7 did not form part of Al-Nassr’s travelling party for the first leg of an AFC Champions League last-16 encounter with Esteghlal. Said absence came as something of a surprise as he managed the full 90 minutes in a Saudi Pro League defeat to Al-Orubah on February 28.

There were suggestions that Ronaldo had opted against making the journey to Iran due to supposed sanctions he would face if returning to the country. Back in 2023, when facing Persepolis, he met with fan Fatemeh Hammami at Al-Nassr’s team hotel.

Hammami is an artist that paints with her feet. She presented Ronaldo with a couple of pieces that she has worked on. The legendary frontman embraced said gifts, but contravened Iranian law by touching a married woman – sparking the “99 lashes” speculation.

The Iranian embassy has responded to those claims in a statement given to talkSPORT by saying through a spokesperson: “We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran. His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”

It has since been reported – on the back of Al-Nassr’s 0-0 draw with Esteghlal – that Ronaldo missed said contest due to muscle fatigue. No risks are being taken on his fitness at 40 years of age, with the evergreen frontman having hit 25 goals through 30 appearances in all competitions this season.