Iran 'strongly denies' reports that Cristiano Ronaldo will be facing 99 lashes for adultery

Reports have recently speculated Cristiano Ronaldo will face 99 lashes for adultery.

This comes after the footballer hugged and kissed artist, Fatemeh Hamami, on her head.

In ​​Iranian law, touching a single woman is equivalent to adultery, with the punishment set at ‘99 lashes’.

Ronaldo is in a long-term relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, and was visiting the Middle-Eastern country with Al-Nassr ahead of their game against Persepolis in the group stage of the Asian Champions League in mid-September.

Iran 'strongly denies' the reports Ronaldo will face punishment if he returns to the country.

الرسامة الإيرانية فاطمة تزور مقر بعثة الفريق في طهران 🤩
و تلتقي بقائد #النصر كريستيانو رونالدو 💛 pic.twitter.com/0HsoMIacGv

— نادي النصر السعودي (@AlNassrFC) September 19, 2023

Hamimi, who is partially paralysed, made a painting of Ronaldo which she presented to him.

In a video shared by the football team on X, the 38-year-old hugs the artist, gives her a signed shirt and kisses her on the cheek, while also posing for a snap with the painter.

Reports in Iranian media had claimed that a number of lawyers have filed a complaint over the Portuguese footballer, stemming from his meeting with Hamimi.

According to Marca, the Iranian justice system would have to punish Ronaldo next time he is in Iran. However, it’s also been reported that a judge would have the power to quash any charges.

If Ronaldo had ended up in line for a punishment, he'd be arrested

and lashed 99 times next time he went to Iran - which could be sooner than he thinks depending on how the Asian Champions League plays out.

A statement from the Iranian 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 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."

So, it looks like Ronaldo won't be getting 'lashed' any time soon.