FIFA is investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae gained “undue access” to Argentina’s on-pitch celebrations after the World Cup final.
Salt Bae, the Turkish chef and social media presence whose real name is Nusret Gokce, posted several photos of himself with the World Cup trophy on social media after the finals.
The chef was also seen attempting to pose for a photo with Lionel Messi and several Argentina teammates.
His presence in the immediate aftermath of the trophy presentation is now the subject of a FIFA investigation after attracting widespread criticism.
A widely reported statement from world football’s governing body read: “Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on Dec. 18.”
“The appropriate internal action will be taken.”
Bae shared a photo on Instagram earlier this month of himself at a World Cup game with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, and legendary Brazilian athletes Ronaldo, Cafu, and Roberto Carlos.
Meanwhile, thousands of fans lined up in the middle of the night to try to get a glimpse of the Argentina football team that won one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.
The plane transporting the World Cup winners and their captain Lionel Messi back from Qatar arrived at the Ezeiza international airport in Buenos Aires at 2:40am local time on Tuesday.
The players will spend the night at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training facility close to the airport after defeating France in the nail-biting final on Sunday.
Millions are anticipated to fill the streets on Tuesday at noon as they start a tour of the heart of Buenos Aires, which President Alberto Fernández designated a national holiday.
The World Cup was raised in the air by Messi, who scored twice in the championship game, and was followed by coach Lionel Scaloni as they walked past a sign that read, “Thank you, champions.”
Forward The next player to emerge was Lautaro Martinez, who was carrying a drum, along with Julian Alvarez, who had made a name for himself in Qatar with his four goals.