By Victor Kanayo
FIFA has revealed that it is currently investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae and others gained “undue access” to the pitch after the World Cup final in Qatar.
Salt Bae, a Turkish chef and restaurateur whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was pictured holding and kissing the World Cup trophy alongside Argentina players after their win over France.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy, which is made of solid gold and depicts two figures holding up the globe, can only be touched and held by a select group of people.
This includes former winners and heads of state, according to FIFA.
The celebrity chef has now been reportedly banned from the 2023 US Open Cup Final.
Football fans were infuriated after Mr Gokce, who is also a social media personality, was seen “grabbing” Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi on the pitch.
A statement by a FIFA spokesperson, according to BBC said: “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.”
The Turkish entrepreneur was widely criticised for twice grabbing the arm of Messi, who tried to sidestep the unwanted attention.
He was also photographed with Angel di Maria, Lisandro Martinez and even seen sinking his teeth into another player’s medal.
Salt Bae, 39, owns a chain of luxury restaurants around the world including Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and London’s swish Knightsbridge.
He owns steakhouses in London, New York, Los Angeles and Turkey.
Footballers including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Mesut Ozil and Sergio Aguero have eaten at his restaurants, which have also proved popular with other celebrities.
Earlier in the World Cup, he posted a video of himself at a match sitting alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
