FIFA is officially investigating Salt Bae.
Nusret Gökçe, the international culinary influencer known to most as, “Salt Bae,” almost caused an international incident Sunday. The famed ‘Salt Bae’ pestered Lionel Messi and World Cup champion Argentina on the pitch following a bitterly contested final with France.
Salt Bae had been a guest of FIFA and enjoyed front-row access throughout the tournament. However, his antics and theatrics drew international fury. Footage caught him bothering Messi while the legendary player congregated with his family moments after Argentina’s monumental World Cup win.
Messi, of course, scored on two penalties, scored a goal in the 108th minute, and set up another goal for teammate Angel Di Maria early on.
Salt Bae also inserted himself into pictures with numerous Argentine players. So, FIFA said it is investigating the apparent security breach.
“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,” FIFA said in a statement, according to The New York Post.
“The appropriate internal action will be taken.”
Salt Bae is a Turkish butcher, chef, food entertainer, and restaurateur who rose to viral fame in January 2017 due to the seductive nature with which he seasoned his restaurant’s steaks.
His luxury steakhouse brand, Nusr-Et, has locations in Turkey, Greece, the United States, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
