Cristiano Ronaldo will avoid Iran. He faces 99 lashes. What has he done and how can he avoid the bizarre punishment?

One of the best footballers in history moved from Europe to Saudi Arabia at the beginning of the year and is now getting to know what it takes not only in terms of football but also in terms of life. The Middle East is a specific location and Cristiano Ronaldo may face a bizarre and unpleasant punishment because of it.

At 38, not many would hang up their cleats, but not him. He may not be breaking records in Europe anymore, but Cristiano Ronaldo still shines in football. His footballing prowess can be admired by fans in Asia, especially in Saudi Arabia.

The Middle Eastern country is thriving in terms of football, or at least trying to, with many big stars arriving in the competition. However, life there is simply very different from what we know in Europe.

Even the star Portuguese knows that. He has been the target of speculation several times that he has broken one law or another and is facing punishment. Unfortunately, just because something is normal and common in Europe does not mean that it is elsewhere.

Ronaldo visited Iran during the Asian Champions League, where his Al-Nassr took on the local side Persepolis. The match ended with Al-Nassr winning 2-0, but the Portuguese did not make the stats.

Ronaldo under threat of bizarre punishment

But he was one of the “outlaws”. He met Iranian painter Fatima Hamimi, who gave the Real Madrid and Manchester United legend his portrait. The winner of five Ballon d’Or awards gave her a hug and a kiss.

What’s the problem? The artist is married and according to Iranian law, this is adultery. It’s the touch alone that bothers her. The Mundo Deportivo newspaper interpreted Iranian media to mean that Ronaldo was apparently sentenced to 99 lashes.

So if the Portuguese returns to Iran, he could be in serious trouble. Ronaldo could be detained and punished upon arrival in the country. However, according to Marca, the possibility that his sentence could be remitted is in play.

It will all depend on whether the judge acquits him of the charges and if the star footballer shows remorse for his ‘misconduct’.

However, as far as football is concerned, Ronaldo has played 11 competitive matches for his club this season with a record of 11 goals scored and 6 assists.

Source: Mundo Deportivo, Marca, Transfermarkt