How the Argentine player, Alexis Mac Allister, returned home after the festivities 1:08
(Reuters) --
FIFA has opened an investigation into how individuals gained "improper access" to the pitch after the World Cup final after images and videos of Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gokce celebrating with the players from Argentina.
Gokce, who owns a chain restaurant and is known as "Salt Bae" for his theatrical style of sprinkling salt on his steaks, posted videos and photos on his Instagram page of himself with the Argentina players after their victory over France in the final.
Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, after the FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
He was also photographed holding the Cup trophy. According to the FIFA website, the trophy can only be touched by a "very select group of people", including previous tournament winners and heads of state.
Videos circulating on social media also show Gokce grabbing Lionel Messi's arm in an attempt to get the Argentina captain's attention.
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"Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained improper access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at the Lusail Stadium on December 18," soccer's governing body said in a statement.
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"Appropriate internal measures will be taken."
Nusret Goekce holds the World Cup trophy after the final.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images)
Gokce went viral in 2017 after posting videos of himself salting meat with a cobra-like maneuver.
He has nearly 50 million followers on Instagram and has helped launch Nusr-Et restaurants, which charge several hundred dollars for some cuts of meat, in various parts of the world.
The businessman has been photographed with several footballers and other celebrities in his restaurants, including Robert Lewandowski and Kylian Mbappe.
Earlier this week he posted on his Instagram a video of a previous meeting with Messi.
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