FIFA Investigates Salt Bae’s ‘Undue Access’ To World Cup Final Pitch

FIFA is investigating how Turkish celebrity chef Salt Bae and a number of other people gained “undue access” to the Lusail Stadium field at the end of the World Cup final in Qatar.

Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was photographed holding the World Cup trophy while celebrating with Argentina players after their win over France on penalties.

FIFA rules state the trophy can only be handled by a “select” group of people such as tournament winners, FIFA officials, and relevant heads of state.

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A FIFA spokesperson said: “The appropriate internal action will be taken.”

Salt Bae owns a chain of luxury steakhouses. He quickly rose to fame in 2017 after his particular technique for seasoning meat became an Internet meme.

During the World Cup, he posted a video of himself with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was dining at his restaurant. He was later pictured in VIP seats at a game with former Brazil players Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

Videos posted to social media showed Man of the Match Lionel Messi ignoring Salt Bae during the celebrations. The two eventually took a photo together that was posted on Instagram by Salt Bae.