FIFA to investigate after Salt Bae gatecrashes World Cup final

His appearance amid Argentina’s celebrations bemused — and angered — many fans, now FIFA want answers about the celebrity chef’s access to the pitch after the World Cup final.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, admires the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

FIFA are investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae gained “undue access” to the pitch after the World Cup final where he enthusiastically posed for photos with surprised Argentina players including a bemused and irritated Lionel Messi.

Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was pictured holding and kissing the trophy after Argentina beat France in Sunday’s final in Qatar.

The Turkish entrepreneur was widely criticised for twice grabbing the arm of Messi, who tried to sidestep the unwanted attention.

Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, gained ‘undue access’ to the pitch after the 2022 World Cup final at Lusail Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

He was also photographed with Angel di Maria, Lisandro Martinez and even seen sinking his teeth into another player’s medal.

FIFA rules state the World Cup trophy can only be held by the tournament winners and the likes of FIFA officials 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 December 18,” a spokesman told the BBC.

“The appropriate internal action will be taken.”

Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, admires the FIFA World Cup winner’s trophy. Picture: Getty Images

Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, kisses the FIFA World Cup Trophy. Picture: Getty Images

Salt Bae, 39, owns a chain of luxury restaurants around the world including Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and London’s swish Knightsbridge.

His technique for preparing and seasoning meat has become an internet meme. Earlier in the World Cup, he posted a video of himself at a match sitting alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.