 |
| Image: PLO |
Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence in Al Nassr’s AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Esteghlal in Tehran has raised eyebrows among football fans. The reason isn’t due to injury or suspension but rather a legal concern tied to an incident from September 2023. Reports indicate that Al Nassr decided not to register Ronaldo for the match in Iran to avoid any potential legal complications related to Iranian law (AS).
The Incident That Sparked Controversy
The situation dates back to a visit Ronaldo made to Iran, where he met Fatemeh Hammami, an Iranian artist known for painting with her feet due to severe paralysis. As a gesture of appreciation, Ronaldo hugged and kissed her forehead, an act that, under Iranian law, could be interpreted as inappropriate physical contact between a man and a woman who are not related (AltNews).
Some legal interpretations in Iran suggest that such actions could be considered a violation of Islamic law, with rumors circulating about possible punishments, including lashings. However, Iranian authorities later denied any legal action against Ronaldo, stating that no court ruling had been made against him (ClutchPoints). Despite this clarification, Al Nassr still opted for caution, prioritizing Ronaldo’s safety and avoiding any potential diplomatic or legal complications.
Al Nassr’s Request for a Neutral Venue
Given the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Al Nassr attempted to move the match to a neutral venue. This request was ultimately rejected, forcing the Saudi club to make the tough decision of leaving Ronaldo out of the squad traveling to Tehran (AS). This decision was seen as a precautionary measure rather than a confirmation of any legal risk.
Impact on Al Nassr and the AFC Champions League
Without Ronaldo, Al Nassr managed to hold Esteghlal to a 0-0 draw in Tehran, setting up a crucial return leg in Saudi Arabia on March 10, where Ronaldo is expected to play (Reuters). Despite his absence, Ronaldo has been a key player in Al Nassr’s campaign, scoring six goals in the tournament and 25 across all competitions this season.
This incident highlights the complexities that international athletes may face when playing in different cultural and legal environments. For Al Nassr, the decision to sideline Ronaldo for this match was a calculated one, ensuring that the focus remains on football rather than off-field controversies. As the second leg approaches, fans will be eager to see Ronaldo back in action, hoping he can help his team advance further in the competition.