Cristiano Ronaldo has found himself at the center of a potential controversy due to a seemingly innocuous gesture during a visit to Iran last month. The renowned soccer star was in the country for a match between Al-Nassr and Persepolis in the Asian Champions League.

Before the game, Ronaldo was approached by fans, including Iranian artist Fatima Hamimi, who, despite her disability, creates art using her feet. She gifted Ronaldo two remarkably lifelike drawings and received an appreciative hug and a kiss on the forehead from the athlete.

However, reports from Iran have suggested that Ronaldo’s gesture may have unintended consequences. In Iran, it is considered a form of adultery to physically touch someone of the opposite sex while in a relationship. Cristiano Ronaldo has been in a longstanding partnership with Georgina Rodriguez.

Multiple Iranian outlets reported that Ronaldo was potentially sentenced to 99 lashes for his actions. Nevertheless, some reports have indicated that he could avoid the punishment by demonstrating remorse for his conduct.