Salt Bae was seen kissing the World Cup trophy
FIFA is investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae and a number of others gained “illegal access” to the pitch at the end of the World Cup final in Qatar.
Salt Bae, the Turkish chef whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, was filmed holding and kissing the World Cup trophy as he celebrated with Argentina’s players after their victory over France.
FIFA rules state that the trophy can only be held by a “very select” group of people, including tournament winners, FIFA officials and heads of state.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a FIFA spokesperson said: “Following an investigation, FIFA has established how individuals gained unauthorized access to the pitch following the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
“Appropriate internal action will be taken.”
Salt Bae owns a chain of upscale steakhouses and rose to fame in 2017 after his meat preparation and seasoning technique became an internet meme.
Many current and former footballers, including Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, have eaten at Salt Bae restaurants.
In November, during the World Cup, he posted a video of himself hugging FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with whom he was later photographed in the VIP seats at a match with Brazilian legends Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
Messi appeared to ignore Salt Bae in tense scenes after Argentina’s win as the chef tried to get his attention.
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