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The Iranian embassy in Madrid has denied claims that Cristiano Ronaldo will be sentenced to 99 lashes for adultery.
On Friday, reports in Spain said the Portugal international had been sentenced after he hugged painter Fatema Hamimi during a visit to the country.
The artist provided Ronaldo with some of his drawings and the Al-Nassr star was clearly pleased.
Along with the hug, he kissed Hamimi’s forehead softly in the circle of people.
Cristiano Ronaldo becomes victim of rumors after posing with a painter
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However, reports from Iran on Friday said Ronaldo faced 99 lashes.
This is because, according to Iranian law, touching a woman who is not your wife is tantamount to adultery.
It was a shocking story, with football fans taking to social media to express their anger.
But it seems Ronaldo is safe with the Iranian Embassy in Madrid denying the rumours.
They released a statement that read: “We strongly refuse to issue any punishment against any international athlete in Iran.
“It is a matter of concern that the publication of such false news could amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian state.
“It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Iran on 18 and 19 September to play an official football match and was very well received by the people and the authorities.
“His honest and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was praised by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”
Ronaldo put the rumors to rest by leading Portugal to a 3-2 win over Slovakia in a Euro 2024 qualifying match.
Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring, then Ronaldo doubled his team’s lead from the penalty spot.
Slovakia managed to make it 2-1 before Ronaldo scored again, with the 38-year-old scoring his 125th international goal in the process.
And while the visitors got another consolation through Stanislav Lobotka, Portugal were able to make the result safe.
This means Portugal have won all seven of their Group J qualifying matches.
And they are now the third country guaranteed to play at Euro 2024 next summer, with France, Belgium and hosts Germany having already qualified.
Ronaldo reacted to his heroics on Instagram, saying: “We’re at Euro 2024!
“It was great to help Portugal reach another final stage of a great competition.
“Special thanks to the Portuguese Football Federation and the fans in the stadium for the beautiful tribute!”
Ronaldo could be involved when Portugal face Bosnia on Monday night (7.45 pm).
Bosnia also won on Friday night by beating Liechtenstein 2-0 with goals from Amar Rahmanovic and Miroslav Stevanovic.
Ronaldo has played a total of 202 matches for Portugal.
latest developments:
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Portugal during their 3-2 win over Slovakia on Friday night
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He made his debut in 2003, when he was playing for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
