Ronaldo will miss the first leg of the AFC Champions League round of 16 against Esteghlal because Al Nassr has left him out. The player could be penalized for adultery for a 2023 incident, and the opponent did not want to play in a neutral location. Persepolis hosted Al Nassr in September 2023, when thousands of fans invaded the team’s hotel due to Cristiano Ronaldo. Because players’ safety was at risk, police dispersed the throng.
After that, Cristiano Ronaldo hugged and kissed disabled artist Fatemeh Hammami Nasrabadi on the forehead. Since the kiss is not guided by the spouse, Iranian law considers it adultery. Possible punishment: 99 lashes.
Al Nassr requested a neutral site in a letter, but their opponents declined. Cristiano will not play in the match because of this.
