AFC: Ronaldo, facing 100 lashes, won't be going to Iran

It's a sordid tale we're telling you this time, involving the Star of World Football, Cristiano Ronaldo himself.

The Portuguese, and striker for Saudi club Al-Nassr, who travels to Teheran to face Iranian club Esteghlal in the 8th round of the AFC Champions League, is risking a lot.

In 2023, when the Saudis travelled to face local club Persepolis, CR7 kissed friendly Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi, a 34-year-old Iranian artist who is 85% paralysed, on the forehead during a visit.

This gesture was considered an act of adultery, since there was no link between the footballer and Fateneh, and therefore punishable by 100 lashes...

And even though the Iranian club has promised close security for the Saudi club and its players, the Saudi side has decided to play it safe and CR7 has not been included in the squad that will play its match on Monday March 3.

What a lunar affair!

Rafik Zoghlami |

Editor in Chieffr, ar, en

Rafik Zoghlami is the Editor-in-Chief of Foot-Africa.com, with over 13 years of experience creating and managing sports content.