ZURICH — FIFA is taking “necessary internal measures” against a celebrity chef who violated World Cup rules by holding the gold trophy on the field, the soccer governing body announced Thursday.
The chef, who is known as Salt Bae and is frequently seen with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, interacted with Argentina players and posed for photographs following their dramatic victory over France on Sunday in Qatar.
FIFA characterizes the trophy as a “priceless emblem” that can only be touched and held by a few number of individuals, including former FIFA World Cup champions and heads of state.
“Following an investigation, FIFA is determining how persons gained unauthorized access to the field following the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on December 18,” the international soccer governing body said. There will be appropriate internal action taken.
During the World Cup, the chef, who owns a restaurant in Doha, was a frequent VIP guest of FIFA and uploaded images and videos on social media.
After Argentina’s victory in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 tie, he was filmed grasping Lionel Messi’s arm to catch his attention on the field. The soccer star appeared annoyed in the video, but afterwards posed for an Instagram snap posted by Salt Bae.
»FIFA investigates mysterious World Cup event with Salt Bae«