FIFA are reportedly set to launch an investigation into how popular steak chef Salt Bae managed to find his way onto the pitch during Argentina’s World Cup final celebrations.
After La Albiceleste beat France 4-2 on penalties to be crowned world champions, the chef, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, celebrated with the South Americans and even held the World Cup trophy, prompting the social media world to question why he was allowed to be there.
Salt Bae needs to be stopped pic.twitter.com/m6u9NIhs2X
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 20, 2022
One clip that went viral was of Gokce with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez, who was caught with the most awkward look on his face, as the chef tried to grab a hold of the trophy while it was in the defender’s hands.
Gokce even tried to get the attention of Lionel Messi in the celebrations, but the PSG man was having none of it.
Messi ignoring Salt Bae is golden 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/SfCiz1wzXA
— Omar Al Raisi (@Dantani) December 19, 2022
Naturally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino took a fair bit of stick, after a video was released of him enjoying some food at Gokce’s restaurant last year, with the Italian smiling gleefully as the Turk cut his steak.
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😎 ¡Ni Infantino se resistió al Saltbae!
🥩 El presidente de la FIFA no desaprovechó la oportunidad de disfrutar de los manjares de @nurs_ett🤏
(Vía | IG | nurs_et) pic.twitter.com/YnGqyxtId7
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) January 6, 2021
An awkward experience all round for Salt Bae, whose attempts to be part of the victory celebrations will now be scrutinised further by FIFA.