Cristiano Ronaldo 'could face 99 lashes for adultery' after Manchester United icon posed for picture

Ronaldo was playing for Al-Nassr against Persepolis in the group stage of the Asian Champions League.

However, he could now face punishment after posing for a picture with a painter.

Iranian media, per Mundo Deportivo, have claimed a large number of lawyers have filed complaints against Ronaldo due to the snap.

The 38-year-old, who is in a relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, posed for a photo with Iranian painter Fatima Hamimi.

Hamimi wanted to give the Portugal international some pictures she had painted of him.

Iranian media allege, however, that Ronaldo kissed her on the cheek - which is forbidden.

In the picture, Ronaldo can be seen hugging the painter - who has a big smiler on her face and looks delighted.

But this, it's claimed, is what has angered Iranian lawyers.

In Iranian law, touching a woman who isn't your wife is the equivalent to adultery.

Hamimi, who is clearly a massive Ronaldo supporter, is reportedly 85 per cent paralysed.

Sharq Emroz, a TV station in the country, say the Iranian justice system have already sentenced the football icon to 99 lashes the next time he travels to the country.

Al-Nassr are playing Persepolis, Al-Duhail and Istiklol in the Asian Champions League this season as they look to get through the group stages.

Ronaldo won't return to Iran at this stage of the tournament because they've already played Persepolis away from home.

However, if they make the knockout stages, it's possible the Saudi side will be drawn against an Iranian team - which would then potentially throw up some issues.

Ronaldo, if he were to travel, could be arrested by authorities in order to force him to serve the sentence.

Marca do say, though, that the sentence could be forgiven by a judge if the 'acts are not punishable or Ronaldo shows remorse'.

The footballer, who has scored 10 goals from eight Saudi Pro League appearances this season, is yet to address the matter.

Ronaldo has been with Rodriguez ever since 2016, with the pair sharing two children together.

Rodriguez is also mother to three other children. Cristiano Jnr was born in 2010 and twins Eva and Mateo born via surrogate seven years later.

All of the family now live in Saudi Arabia following the footballer's move to the country last year.

Rodriguez said back in March that while she wasn't officially married to Ronaldo, the pair were wed 'in the eyes of God'.

She said: "I really couldn't be more married. Cristiano and I are married in the eyes of God, that's all that matters to me.

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"He protects us and keeps us together. One day though, a ceremony will follow.

"I'm lucky I can show you dreams really do come true. I appreciate the opportunities God has given to me."