Last Sunday, December 18, the Argentine team managed to win the World Cup following defeating France from the penalty spot. This historic victory for the Argentines was celebrated wildly by the footballers, coaching staff, the champions’ delegation and their respective families. That they turned Olympic and lifted the World Cup as is customary with the winning team.
However, they were not the only ones who had the pleasure of touching the Cup and taking photos with it, Since the renowned chef and ‘influencer’ Nusret Gokce, better known on the internet as Salt Bae, was on the court while the Argentines celebrated, I try to greet Lionel Messi, among other players, and even had time to pose with the prestigious trophy that world champions receive. Something that he bothered many people.
The Turkish chef usually boasts on his social networks, a very close friendship, with the president of the International Federation of Associated Football (Fifa), Gianni Infantino, so it seems that this worked for him to be at the award ceremony for the champion in Qatar 2022 , where his photos and videos went viral amid the celebration of the Argentine players.
But apparently, this was not allowed, as the Turkish chef would have violated the strict rules that Fifa has on who has the right to lift the renowned and prestigious World Cup trophy. Reason why, from Sunday, the influencer has been heavily criticized on social media by soccer fans across the planet.
“As one of the world’s most recognizable sporting symbols and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup trophy can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, including former FIFA World Cup winners. FIFA and heads of state”, it says verbatim on the website of the world soccer governing body.
Due to this controversial moment, the Turk might not attend tournaments organized by FIFA once more, as well as, it was known in the last hours, the US Open would have canceled his invitation. For now, the chef has not commented on what happened, however, on social networks many have celebrated that the most important football organization has paid attention to this fact that made many uncomfortable during the final between Argentina and France.
Criticism on social networks
With all the stress, Messi tried to get away from the crowd, which he might not achieve, since several people, including the renowned Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe, better known as Salt Bae, were clamoring for a photo, in addition to being able to talk.
In a video captured on the official broadcast, it was possible to see how the cook grabbed Messi by his arm, something that caused discomfort in the 10, who had no choice but to greet him and take the long-awaited photo.
After this event, Nusret was severely criticized on social networks by users, classifying this meeting as something “uncomfortable” for the Argentine 10.
“What is this guy doing there?” and “Who allowed him to get onto the field?”, were part of the most recurring questions from the community in front of the photos, which not only included Messi, but the Turk also managed to intercept Ángel Di María, Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, Paulo Dybala, Alexis Mac Allister and other albiceleste players.
“You shouldn’t be there. This is the time for players who have worked hard and not for celebrities to stick around and take selfies for their own promotion,” one of his own followers claimed to Salt Bae.