Iran have denied reports circulating in the media that Cristiano Ronaldo will be facing 99 strokes for hugging and kissing artist Fatemeh Hamami in Tehran.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner met up with his fan, artist Fatima while travelling to Iran for an Asian Champions League match against local team Persepolis in September.
Ronaldo hugged and kissed the girl, which is considered a severe violation of Iranian law when outside of matrimony. Before the game, she presented him with two portraits.
Hamami painted the portraits with her feet due to her paralysis.
However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has not yet been formally charged.
However, a statement from the Iranian embassy via mundodeportivo 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.”
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