Recent reports from Iranian media outlets have revealed that several lawsuits have been filed against Al-Nassr football star Cristiano Ronaldo after he was captured on video hugging and kissing artist Fatima Hamimi on the cheek.
The embrace was reportedly a gesture of gratitude for two paintings gifted to him by the artist.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo may face severe punishment for adultery under Iranian law, including up to 99 lashes, for touching a woman while in a relationship.
The video of their encounter was shared on the official Instagram account of Al-Nassr, the Saudi Arabian club that Ronaldo signed with on a two-and-a-half-year deal worth a reported $75 million per year.
The 38-year-old Portuguese striker has been in a relationship with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez since 2016 and shares two children with the model, as well as twins born via surrogate in 2017.
He also has a son born in 2010 to an unknown mother.
Ronaldo and Hamimi shared their moment when Al-Nassr travelled to Tehran to play Persepolis for an Asian Champions League group stage match.
Hamimi, reportedly 85% paralyzed and an artist who paints with her feet, was one of many fans who showered Ronaldo with gifts.
READ ALSO: https://thecrux.org.ng/f1-fia-issues-stern-warning-to-lance-stoll-over-qatar-gp-incident/
Under Iranian law, Ronaldo could be spared punishment if the acts are not punishable or if he shows remorse.
A judge may forgive him if he demonstrates genuine regret for his actions.
However, Al-Nassr will not play in Iran again during the group stage of the tournament, but the two teams could face each other again if they both make it to the knockout stage.
This is not the first time Ronaldo has been embroiled in legal issues.
In 2017, he was charged with tax evasion and sentenced to a suspended two-year jail term and a fine of €18.8 million, which was later reduced to €16.8 million.
In June 2022, an attorney for a woman who accused Ronaldo of rape in Las Vegas in 2009 asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the dismissal of the case and reopen the civil case filed in 2018.
Despite these legal issues, Ronaldo remains one of the most successful soccer players in history, having won five Ballon d’Or awards as the top footballer in the world during his 20-year senior career.
He has played for some of the world’s most successful clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, and has captained the Portugal men’s team.
