Various media outlets in Iran such as 'Rouydad24' and 'Sharq Emroz' claimed that Portugal and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo could reportedly face 99 lashes for adultery in Iran. The news was picked by many news publications around the world including India as well. The reports cited that during Al-Nassr's recent visit to Iran for their match against home side Persepolis in an AFC Champions League, Ronaldo met Fatemah Hamami, who presented him with some paintings which she drew with his feet as she is 85% paralysed. Ronaldo acknowledged the gift and while presenting her a signed jersey, the football star hugged and kissed Fatemah on her cheek. Cristiano Ronaldo Meets Iranian Painter Fatemeh Hamami Nasrabadi Who Paints Using Her Feet in Tehran, Video Goes Viral!
The various media outlets claimed that as per the laws in Iran, touching an unmarried woman could be considered as an adultery and thus reported that Ronaldo could be subjected to 99 lashes. However, Iran's embassy in Madrid has refuted the reports and confirmed it is fake news. ‘We Are at EURO 2024!’ Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts After Portugal’s 3-2 Win in Thriller Against Slovakia
Fake Claims Being Made on Social Media
🔥🚨DEVELOPING: Cristiano Ronaldo facing ‘99 lashes’ for Iranian adultery charge connected to hugging and kissing a disabled unmarried woman on her forehead.
Ronaldo was in the country to play in Al-Nassr's Asian Champions League game against Persepolis on Sept. 19 but before… pic.twitter.com/TzAXBsvQI9
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) October 14, 2023
Official Statement
Desmentimos rotundamente la emisión de cualquier fallo judicial contra cualquier deportista internacional en Irán. Es motivo de preocupación que la publicación de noticias tan infundadas pueda eclipsar los crímenes de lesa humanidad y los crímenes de guerra contra la oprimida… pic.twitter.com/51xw40L7Gp
— Embajada de Irán en España (@IraninSpain) October 13, 2023
In a statement, released on social media, Iran's embassy in Spain said, "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," it added.
Fact check
Cristiano Ronaldo to receive 99 lashes for adultery in Iran.
News is absolutely fake as denied by Iran's embassy in Madrid.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2023 09:33 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).