FIFA has launched an investigation into how Turkish restaurateur and social media influencer Salt Bae entered the pitch after the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar.
The world governing body of football said that it will take “appropriate internal action” to address the breaches of tournament protocol.
Salt Bae, who has been regularly seen with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, mingled with the World Cup-winning Argentina team and also posed for pictures after the side’s win over France in the penalty shootout 4-2.
As Argentina defeated France in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final match, wild partying started after the victory. During the celebrations at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar, the football players were joined on the field by the support personnel and family members. Salt Bae, a popular Instagram chef, also found a way to get onto the field and interact with the players up close. He took a selfie with Messi as well, but cameras caught the awkward exchange as the 35-year-old footballer appeared noticeably irritated. He ignored the influencer twice but eventually the World Cup winner obliged him with a picture. Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was also seen grabbing the FIFA trophy from other players and posing with it. Reacting to the development, football supporters called the scene “embarrassing” and said the chef showed “no respect” for the trophy.
However, in response to the backlash faced online for his antics, the influencer and chef has posted a clip of him meeting and posing with the Argentina captain. In the video, Messi is seen meeting Salt Bae at a restaurant. Messi then extends his arm to Salt Bae for a handshake before hugging the Turkish chef. French footballer Paul Pogba is also seen in the video. It appears that the two players had come for a meal at the restaurant. It is to be noted that the celebrity chef did not mention the time when the video was taken, however his followers were quick to point out that it was taken in 2018.
FIFA stated that the World Cup trophy is a “priceless icon” which “can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.”
“Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on Dec. 18,” FIFA said. “The appropriate internal action will be taken.”
Salt Bae made regular appearances with VIP access during the World Cup and shared pictures on social media.
After Argentina’s win, videos went viral of Salt Bae grabbing the arm of Lionel Messi on the pitch. The star player seemed irritated before posing for the picture that the restaurateur posted on his Instagram.
Messi inspired Argentina to end their 36-year wait to clinch the World Cup. The 35-year-old also won the Golden Ball, awarded to the Player of the Tournament. With the win, Messi completed his trophy cabinet, having won the Ballon d’Or five times and the Copa America last year.
Messi is also an Olympic gold medallist (2008), won the Champions League four times and LaLiga 10 times.