AceShowbiz - Cristiano Ronaldo may now breathe a sigh of relief. After reports suggested that the soccer player could receive 99 lashes in Iran for hugging painter Fatemeh Hamami, Iranian embassy in Madrid shut down the claims through a lengthy statement.

"We strongly deny the issuance of any sentence against any international athlete in Iran," it read. "It is of concern that the publication of such ill founded news could cast a shadow over crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation."

"It should be noted that Cristiano Ronaldo traveled to Iran on September 18 and 19 to play in an official soccer match and was very well received by the people and the authorities," the statement added. "His sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country's sports authorities."

Ronaldo was in the country to play in Al-Nassr's Asian Champions League game against Persepolis on Sept. 19 -- but before the match happened, he was greeted by several fans who showered him with gifts. One of them included painter Fatima, who creates art with her feet due to a disability.

Fatima gave Ronaldo two ultra-realistic drawings of him. Thankful for the gift, the athlete her and gave her a peck on the forehead. Although it seemed quite innocuous, his action was reportedly considered adultery to touch another woman while in a relationship. Ronaldo himself has been in a longtime partnership with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez.