The Nassr has requested by letter that its next match of the Asian Champions League against Esteghlal Iraní is played in a neutral field. The Saudi club argues security reasons, since its star Cristiano Ronaldo could face a penalty of up to 99 lashes in Tehran for an alleged imputation of adultery that dates back to 2023.
In September 2023, Al Nassr was a guest of another Tehran club, the Persepolis, and due to the presence of Christian thousands of fans besieged the team of the team. Police had to intervene to disperse staff because the safety of the players could be compromised.
After that, Cristiano Ronaldo was recorded giving a hug and a kiss on the front of Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi, an artist who suffers a disability and paints with his feet. According to Iranian legislation, the gesture can be considered adultery, since the kiss is not directed by the spouse. The penalty includes lashes.
The Iranian press has published that the head of Iranian football, Mehdi Tadsch, and the Esteghlal rejects the game in neutral field as asked for Nassr. The Inarí club ensures that all measures will be taken to guarantee the security of Ronaldo and his club.