FIFA announced on Thursday, December 22, that it opened investigations into the circumstances under which a Turkish butcher, popularly known as Salt Bae got access to the 2022 World Cup award ceremony.
Salt Bae, whose real name is Nusret Gökçe, allegedly got unauthorised access to the ceremony at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
The Turkish chef, food entertainer and restaurateur was pictured with Lionel Messi while celebrating Argentina’s win on Sunday, December 18, 2022.
Also Read: Salt Bae Slated For Qatar World Cup Trophy Celebrations
"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," a statement from FIFA Spokesperson read.
Salt Bae posted several photos on his Instagram page of him interacting with Argentine stars including Angel Di Maria.
He even did the unexpected by touching the coveted trophy and kissing it, despite that privilege being set aside for the chosen few.
Many people were not happy with Salt Bae’s antics, with some of them asking FIFA to slap him with a ban.
Besides serving Kenya's head of state, William Ruto, a number of star footballers including Robert Lewandowski and Messi have had a meal at Salt Bae's restaurants.
The current FIFA President Gianni Infantino is also among the lucky few who have had an opportunity of tasting his cooking.
However, Kaveh Solhekol, a Sky Sports reporter, revealed on Thursday that Infantino unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram after the latter's World Cup behavior.
"Despite the very kind compliments in January 2021, it has been reported by Sky reporter Kaveh Solhekol that the FIFA president has unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram," stated Solhekol.