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Football

24th Dec 2022

FIFA investigating how Salt Bae got onto pitch at the World Cup final

Callum Boyle

Salt Bae was spotted posing for photos with several Argentina players.

FIFA are investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae – real name Nusret Gökçe – gained “undue access” onto the pitch at the World Cup final.

Salt Bae was pictured holding and kissing the trophy alongside several of the Argentina players after their penalty shootout win against France, therefore breaking the golden FIFA rule.

The official guidelines from FIFA state that the trophy can only be held by a “very select” group, including the tournament winners, FIFA officials and heads of state.

A FIFA spokesperson told BBC Sport: “Following a review, Fifa has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on 18 December.

“The appropriate internal action will be taken.”

Gökçe, who owns multiple restaurants, rose to fame in 2017 after his meat seasoning technique became an internet meme. Some of the biggest stars in the football and broader world have dined at his restaurants.

In November, Salt Bae posted a video of himself with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and was pictured in the VIP section alongside Brazilian legends Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.

Following his on-pitch encroachment in Qatar Salt Bae has now been banned from the oldest and most prestigious tournament in America, the US Open Cup.

Fans also fell in love with Lionel Messi a little bit more as he appeared to ignore the chef as he pestered the Argentina captain to speak to him during the celebrations.