FIFA reviews chef’s ‘undue access’ to hold World Cup trophy

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA is taking “appropriate internal action” to handle breaches of World Cup protocol by a star chef who held the gold trophy on the sector, soccer’s governing physique mentioned Thursday.

Nusret Gökçe, who is called Salt Bae and is repeatedly seen with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, mingled with Argentina gamers and posed for images after their victory over France in an epic sport on Sunday in Qatar.

FIFA describes the trophy as “a priceless icon” which “can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.”

“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 world soccer physique mentioned. “The appropriate internal action will be taken.”

The chef, who has a restaurant in Doha, was a daily visitor of FIFA with VIP entry through the World Cup and posted images and video clips on social media.

After Argentina’s win in a penalty shootout following an exhilarating 3-3 draw, he was filmed grabbing the arm of captain Lionel Messi on the sector to get his consideration. The soccer nice appeared irritated within the movie clip although later posed for a photograph that Salt Bae posted on Instagram.