FIFA to investigate Salt Bae’s ‘undue access’ to World Cup celebrations

The governing body came under criticism after the celebrity chef and social media influencer Salt Bae was seen celebrating with the Argentina team and holding the World Cup trophy.

One of the many talking points following Sunday’s World Cup final at the Lusail Stadium concerned the access given to celebrity chef Salt Bae (Nusret Gökçe) with the famous restaurant owner celebrating with the Argentina team as they paraded the World Cup trophy to ecstatic supporters at the 88,000 capacity stadium.

Salt Bae posted posted several photos of himself on his personal Instagram account with the World Cup trophy and the likes of Argentine stars Angel Di Maria and Leo Messi after Sunday’s game.

His presence in the immediate aftermath of the trophy presentation will now be investigated by FIFA after attracting widespread criticism.

FIFA to take ‘appropriate action’

A statement from world football’s governing body read: “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″ adding that: “The appropriate internal action will be taken.”

Earlier this month, Salt Bae posted an image on Instagram of himself at a World Cup match alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Brazil greats Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos. Footage has also emerged from 2021 of the FIFA president enjoying one of Salt Bae’s famous 24 karat gold–wrapped tomahawk steaks which are available for for roughly $1,160.

US Open Cup say ‘no’ to Salt Bae

In a light hearted tweet, the US Open Cup official Twitter account issued a ‘tongue in cheek’ ban to Salt Bae from attending the 2023 final match.