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- BBC News World
Photo credit, Getty Images
Salt Bae kissing the World Cup trophy
The images went around the world, sparking outrage and bewilderment.
Salt Bae, the chef who became famous for his particular way of throwing salt on meat, was on the pitch with the Argentine players following the World Cup final.
He took pictures with the trophy, stroked it and kissed it.
FIFA is now investigating how this cook, whose real name is Nusret Gokce, and others gained “inappropriate access” to the pitch following the 2022 World Cup final.
FIFA rules say the trophy can only be held by a “very select” group of people, including tournament winners, FIFA officials and heads of state.
“Following a review, FIFA has established how individuals gained inappropriate access to the pitch following the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on December 18,” a spokesperson for the International Football Federation told AFP. the BBC.
“Appropriate internal action will be taken,” he said.
Who is Salt Bae and why is he so famous?
Salt Bae is the owner of a chain of luxury steakhouses. He shot to fame in 2017 following his technique for preparing and seasoning meat became an internet meme.
He has over 20 restaurants around the world, in some of the most cosmopolitan cities including Dubai, Doha, London, Miami and New York.
One of his most famous preparations is the gold-covered sirloin steak, which costs over $2,000 (more than 1,300,000 CFA francs).
Many football stars such as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have dined at the restaurants in Salt Bae.
Photo credit, Salt Bae
In November, during the World Cup, the chef posted a video where he kissed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom he was later photographed in one of the VIP boxes, alongside Brazilian legends such as Ronaldo , Roberto Carlos and Cafu. gt
As the Argentines jubilant for their trophy, Messi seemed to ignore Salt Bae and his turbulent scenes as he tried to get their attention.
The chef took several photos with players such as Lisandro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Messi himself.
The images that caused the most dissatisfaction are those showing him with the trophy in his hands. They raised many questions among journalists, on social networks too. And, now, within FIFA.