Fifa ‘investigates’ how ‘Salt Bae’ was able to appropriate the presentation of the trophy

Fifa is investigating how the famous Turkish restaurateur Salt Bae was able to enter the lawn after the World Cup final on Sunday in Doha.

Nusret Gokce, owner of a luxury restaurant chain, was photographed in the field with Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and other world champions after Argentina’s victory over France.

Footage even shows him kissing the trophy, which in principle can only be touched by world champions, Fifa officials or heads of state. On others we see him trying to grab Messi’s arm, visibly irritated, or biting a player’s medal.

“After studying the matter, Fifa is establishing how individuals gained unauthorized access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at the Lusail stadium on December 18. Appropriate action will be taken internally,” a spokesperson told the BBC.

Salt Bae, 39, owns restaurants in places like Beverly Hills, London and Qatar. One of his specialties is to be photographed with stars, including footballers. Videos of him slicing and seasoning meat have been a hit on the internet.


source site