The Iranian embassy has denied a story that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t playing in their country due to an incident with a fan in 2023.
Al Nassr are playing at Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League, but Ronaldo isn’t in their squad despite playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 defeat to Al Orubah last time out.
Al NassrRonaldo hasn’t been included in Stefano Pioli’s latest squad[/caption]
Several leading media outlets have claimed this is due to a meeting with a fan in 2023, with MARCA, RMC Sport and La Nacion citing complaints from lawyers over an act of ‘adultery’.
In September 2023, Nassr played away at another Iranian side Persepolis, and Ronaldo greeted disabled fan Fatemeh Hammami at the team hotel.
The artist paints portraits with her feet, and has done many of the Portuguese legend, but by touching a married woman he was contravening Iranian law.
Media reports claimed he faced prosecution in the form of 99 lashes at the time, and have again claimed that’s why he’s not travelling to the country, however, the Iranian embassy have told talkSPORT otherwise.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran,” a spokesperson said.
“His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”
Further to their statement, the Saudi Gazette claims that Ronaldo isn’t in the squad due to muscle fatigue.
In 2023, GOAL.com also quoted Hamami on the matter, refuting media claims.
“Unemployed lawyers made accusations against him without my or my family’s permission,” she is quoted as saying.
“In Iran he has committed a crime for hugging me, while we have never had any complaints… I am very grateful to Ronaldo for his love and love towards me. I hope the best happens to him in life and football.
Al NassrRonaldo shared a heart-warming embrace with the artist and fan in 2023[/caption]
“No one told him anything about the laws of Iran and he didn’t know it either, but Ronaldo’s hug was for his love and brotherhood, and he had no bad intentions.
“My family and I have no complaints about this issue, we just want to deny these accusations against Cristiano.”
Ronaldo’s absence won’t just be felt by Hamami, but the team too.
This is likely Nassr’s last chance to win a trophy this season, with the gap to Saudi Pro League leaders Al Ittihad at ten points.
Karim Benzema’s league leaders have drawn their last two games, letting defending champions Al Hilal back into the frame, but Al Nassr have two defeats in three games.
Jhon Duran joined from Aston Villa for £64million in January, but hasn’t scored in two and even saw a red card after managed four goals in his first three games.
Ronaldo, meanwhile, has 17 goals in 22 games this season, already matching his total from the 2022/23 season.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid man turned 40 on February 5, but is still going strong as football’s all-time top scorer.
He’s now 75 goals away from 1000 for club and country throughout his career.
