The Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, did not join his team on the trip to Iran to compete in the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League against the Esteghlal of that country. The reason for his absence is a possible sentence of 99 lashes for a case of "adultery" in Iran.
This week, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia will face Esteghlal of Iran, one of the most prominent clubs in the nation, in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League. However, Cristiano Ronaldo will not be present at this match due to the controversial sentence he received in 2023 for embracing and kissing on the forehead a disabled artist, a gesture considered "adultery" in Iran.
Should the sentence be confirmed, Cristiano Ronaldo could face the punishment of receiving 99 lashes, according to Iranian laws. Both the player and his associates have stated that they are unaware of these regulations. Given this situation, Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia tried to negotiate with the confederation to move the match to neutral ground, but the efforts were unsuccessful. Therefore, Ronaldo will miss this clash and rest for the return match.
