After the World Cup final, celebrity chef Salt Bae cheerfully posed for pictures with shocked Argentina players, including a perplexed and irate Lionel Messi. FIFA is now looking into how Bae obtained “undue access” to the field.
The trophy was seen being held and kissed by Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gokce, after Argentina defeated France in the final on Sunday in Qatar.
The Turkish businessman received harsh criticism for twice gripping Messi’s arm as he tried to avoid the unwanted attention.
Additionally, he was spotted in pictures alongside Lisandro Martinez, Angel di Maria, and even seen biting through another player’s medal.
The World Cup trophy can only be carried by the victors of the competition, as well as individuals like FIFA officials and leaders of state, according to FIFA rules.
“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 39-year-old Salt Bae is the owner of a network of opulent eateries across the globe, including Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and London’s posh Knightsbridge.
His method of flavoring and cooking meat has gone viral online.
He uploaded a video earlier in the World Cup showing him sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a game.
