The truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League clash has emerged amid false claims about an incident that happened in 2023.
Al Nassr will face Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League on Monday, just three days falling to a 2-1 defeat against Al Orobah.
Cristiano Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes in last week's Saudi Pro League game but to the surprise of many, the 40-year-old has been left out of Stefano Pioli's squad for their trip to Iran.
As a result, several leading media outlets – including MARCA and RMC Sport – claimed his absence was due to a meeting with a fan in 2023.
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The report from Spanish publication MARCA said: "Cristiano Ronaldo was filmed giving a hug and a kiss on the forehead to Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi, an artist who suffers from a disability and paints with her feet."
They added: "According to Iranian law, the gesture can be considered adultery, as the kiss is not directed by the spouse. The penalty includes up to 99 lashes."
The claim has since been denied by the Iranian embassy, who have released a statement regarding the story.
“We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran,” a spokesperson told talkSPORT. “His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.”
When the claims initially circulated in October 2023 – after Al Nassr was hosted Iranian side Persepolis – the Iranian embassy in Spain strongly denied the information.
"We strongly deny the issuance of any judicial ruling against any international athlete in Iran," they wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"It is a matter of concern that the publication of such baseless news could overshadow crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.
"It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo travelled to Iran on 18 and 19 September to play in an official football match and was warmly welcomed by the people and authorities. His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the sports authorities in the country."
A report from the Saudi Gazette claims Ronaldo has been rested for the game against Esteghlal, with the decision being made after consultation between the coaching and medical staff following muscle fatigue.
Stefano Pioli is hoping to use Ronaldo for the return leg in Riyadh on March 10.
Topics: Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Pro League, Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia
Jack Kenmare