Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary footballer from Saudi club Al-Nassr, did not travel with his team to Iran for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match. The surprising reason behind his absence has now come to light.
Why Did Ronaldo Avoid Traveling to Iran?
According to reports from international news agencies, the 40-year-old football star chose not to accompany his team to Tehran due to fears of facing a legal case in Iran. The case stems from an incident in 2023 that could lead to severe punishment under Iranian law.
The Controversial Incident with an Iranian Artist
In 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo met an Iranian artist named Fatemeh Hamami, who is known for creating paintings using her feet due to her disability. As a gesture of appreciation, she presented Ronaldo with a portrait she had painted of him. Moved by the moment, Ronaldo expressed his gratitude by kissing her forehead.
However, according to Iranian law, such physical contact between an unmarried man and a woman can be considered a violation. Reports suggest that this act could potentially result in 99 lashes as punishment under the country’s strict regulations.
Legal Concerns and Ronaldo’s Decision
Given the legal risks associated with this incident, Ronaldo reportedly decided to skip the trip to Iran. Although no official statements have been made by Al-Nassr or Iranian authorities regarding a formal legal case, the possibility of facing punishment in Iran was enough to keep the football icon away.
Impact on Al-Nassr and the AFC Champions League
Ronaldo’s absence was a major setback for Al-Nassr, as he is one of the team’s key players. His presence in crucial matches significantly impacts the team’s performance, and missing such an important fixture could influence their chances in the tournament.
Despite this controversy, Ronaldo continues to shine on the field for Al-Nassr, leading the team with his experience and skills. However, his future visits to Iran now remain uncertain due to the ongoing concerns surrounding this case.
Final Thoughts
Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to avoid Iran highlights how legal and cultural differences can impact even the biggest global sports figures. While his gesture towards Fatemeh Hamami was widely praised worldwide, it inadvertently created legal concerns in Iran, leading to this unexpected turn of events.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ronaldo will address the issue publicly or if any further legal actions will be taken by Iranian authorities. For now, the football superstar is focusing on his career with Al-Nassr, avoiding any potential legal complications.