Iran’s Embassy in Italy Denies Ronaldo Punishment Claims

WANA (Mar 05) – The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Italy has responded to reports in Italian media regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s match against Iran’s Esteghlal in Tehran. In an official statement, the Iranian Embassy in Rome addressed the controversy, stating:

“In light of certain reports published by Italian media that deviate from professional ethical standards regarding Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from Al-Nassr’s match in Tehran, we clarify the following for public awareness: The decision not to field Ronaldo was made based on medical considerations by the team’s officials due to a minor injury, aiming to prevent further aggravation. This fact could have been easily verified through direct contact with the team officials before the spread of misleading reports by some Italian media.”

The statement further dismissed claims that Ronaldo faced the risk of receiving 100 lashes in Iran due to his previous meeting with Iranian artist Fatemeh Hamami. The embassy clarified that “after inquiries with Iran’s judiciary, it has been confirmed that no such ruling exists, and the report is entirely fabricated.”

Reaffirming its respect for freedom of speech and the press, the Iranian Embassy urged media outlets to adhere to professional ethical principles, refrain from spreading false or baseless news, and uphold journalistic integrity rather than prioritizing sensationalism to attract readers.

The match between Iran’s Esteghlal and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr took place on Monday in Tehran, with Ronaldo’s absence sparking speculation in some media circles. Italian outlet SportMediaset had claimed that Ronaldo was at risk of receiving 100 lashes in Iran due to his previous visit and meeting with Hamami.

Soccer Football – Asian Champions League – Round of 16 – First Leg – Esteghlal v Al Nassr – Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran – March 3, 2025
Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)