Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo finds himself at the center of a scandal that could have serious consequences for him.
Reports from Iranian media suggest that numerous lawyers have filed complaints against Ronaldo due to a seemingly harmless hug he shared with Iranian special-needs artist Fatima Hamimi during his visit to Tehran in September.
The photograph and video capturing the moment when Ronaldo embraced Hamimi have gone viral on social media, triggering a legal storm in Iran.
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In Iran’s strict legal Islamic framework, any physical contact with a married woman is considered adultery. As a result, Ronaldo is now facing the possibility of receiving ’99 lashes for adultery’ the next time he sets foot in Iran.
This news has shocked fans and the football community worldwide. Ronaldo was in Tehran with Al-Nassr for the Asian Champions League when he met Hamimi.
She gifted him a specially crafted painting, and in return, he hugged and kissed her, expressing his gratitude. The gesture was innocent and friendly, but it has had severe consequences in the eyes of Iranian law.
According to Sharq Emroz, an Iranian news network, the justice system swiftly responded to the incident and sentenced Ronaldo to receive 99 lashes upon his next visit to Iran.
Although Ronaldo is not expected to return during the current phase of the Asian Champions League, there is still a possibility of his return if Al-Nassr advances to the knockout rounds.
However, the UK’s Daily Mail reported that other Iranian media outlets suggest the sentence could be forgiven by a judge if the acts are considered non-punishable or if Ronaldo expresses remorse.
It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what actions Cristiano Ronaldo will take in response.
It is important to note that Ronaldo is in a committed relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez. While he has yet to make a statement on the matter, his personal life and reputation are undoubtedly at stake.
