The World Cup final was the absolute highlight for the Argentine soccer team. A whole country in ecstasy, so the unusual cape that the hosts Qatar slipped over the world footballer Lionel Messi at the award ceremony didn’t bother much. Despite all the euphoria, however, one celebrity managed to attract particularly negative attention: Nusret Gökce, better known as “Salt Bae”.
The chef, who made headlines in the past with extremely expensive gold steaks, which he served to stars like Franck Ribéry or Diego Maradona, behaved on the pitch like an ax in the forest. He apparently got access through his friendship with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Gökce, who sells Argentinian steaks but doesn’t have much to do with Argentina, is particularly notable for having snatched the World Cup trophy several times. He posed with it for Instagram and at the same time went on a selfie hunt with the players. Much to the delight of some spectators, he initially received a rebuff from Messi of all people (find out more here). However, he did not let this deter him and immediately made a whole photo album – sometimes he even posed with the winner’s medals in his mouth – after all, he’s into golden food.
Although “Salt Bae” officially violated several Fifa rules, for example laying hands on the trophy as a bystander, the owner of several luxury restaurants was allowed to do so. In the future, however, his behavior could fall on his feet.
The US Open Cup, the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in the United States, publicly announced that Gokce has been banned from next year’s tournament.
It probably doesn’t look any better in FIFA competitions. The World Football Association has also announced that it will investigate the incidents after the final whistle in Qatar more closely, reports “ntv”.
On his Instagram profile with almost 50 million fans, “Salt Bae” does damage limitation in his own way. In addition to countless pictures with the World Cup, which almost make it look like the cook had sunk the decisive penalty, he published an old one Video. It shows him with Messi in one of his restaurants. You know each other, that’s supposed to mean. Meanwhile, there is no real apology.
