FIFA is investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae gained ‘unauthorized access’ to the pitch after the World Cup final, where he surprised Argentina, including an amused and bewildered Lionel Messi. He enthusiastically took pictures with their players.
Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was pictured holding the kissing trophy after Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties in the final in on Sunday, December 18.
The Turkish businessperson was widely criticized for twice grabbing Messi’s arm while he was trying to avoid unnecessary attention.
He was also photographed with Angel Di Maria and Lisandro Martinez and even seen sinking his teeth into another player’s medal.
According to FIFA rules, the winners or team key managers and the likes of FIFA officials and heads of state may only hold the World Cup trophy. Also Read: The true love story between Leo Messi and Antonella Roccuzzo
“Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on December 18,” a spokesman told the BBC.
“The appropriate internal action will be taken.”
The reports said that Salt Bae is 39 years old and owns a chain of modern restaurants around the world including Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and London’s swish Knightsbridge.
His process for preparing and seasoning meat techniques has become an internet meme. At the start of the World Cup, he posted a video of himself sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino going into the match.
Coming to FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina vs France at Lusail Stadium, Argentina defeated France 4-2 on penalties on Sunday to clinch their third World Cup title. It was their victory in the final after 36 years. In the match, Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-3 draw. France’s Kylian Mbappe’s valiant efforts went in vain, as he scored a hat trick for France.
