How Cristiano Ronaldo can avoid punishment with football icon facing '99 lashes for adultery'

Ronaldo travelled to Iran for an Asian Champions League showdown with Persepolis last month, with the Saudi side winning the contest 2-0.

However, there's now controversy with Iranian media - per Mundo Deportivo - saying the veteran has been sentenced to 99 lashes.

The issue stems from Ronaldo meeting a paralysed painter who created portraits of the forward.

Footage on social media shows the two meeting and the Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Sporting Lisbon icon gives her a hug.

According to Iranian law, however, that is forbidden.

Men are not permitted to hug women who they are not married to. Ronaldo is yet to wed but has been in a relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez ever since 2016.

Marca say, though, that there is still a way for the Al-Nassr star to avoid punishment.

​Ronaldo would need to show remorse for his actions.

In the western world, the footballer's gesture wouldn't cause such a storm.

Instead, he would be hailed for being so kind and warm towards a fan who has decided to pay tribute to him.

By apologising to Iranian officials, however, he would take steps to address the problem out in the Middle East.

The report also says Ronaldo could be forgiven by a judge if the 'acts are not punishable'.

For now, there doesn't seem to be much chance of Ronaldo going back to Iran.

Al-Nassr's match with Persepolis was played away from home and they're not currently pencilled in to return to the country.

An issue could arise, however, if the Saudi Pro League side were drawn against an Iranian team later in the Asian Champions League.

Ronaldo will only potentially face consequences if he flies back to Iran.

Al-Nassr could even end up leaving their talisman behind if the rest of the team have to jet out to the country.

Lashings in Iran are often carried out in public.

This is so others are deterred from committing crimes that go against their laws.

They can also receive these years after the perceived crime, too.

One teenager who was caught drinking alcohol at a wedding reception once received 80 lashes a decade on.

Another man once received a sentence of 148 lashes for publicly speaking out about the country's lack of medical care for prisoners.

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Other offences punishable by lashes include theft, assault, vandalism and blasphemy.