FIFA investigating Salt Bae's pitch invasion that led to celebrity Chef touching and kissing World Cup trophy

FIFA is taking "appropriate internal action" to address breaches of World Cup protocol by a celebrity chef who held the gold trophy on the field, soccer's governing body said Thursday.

The chef, who is known as Salt Bae and is regularly seen with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, mingled with Argentina players and posed for photos after their victory over France in an epic game 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 body said. "The appropriate internal action will be taken."

The chef, who has a restaurant in Doha, was a regular guest of FIFA with VIP access during the World Cup and posted photos and video clips on social media.
After Argentina's win in a penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw, he was filmed grabbing the arm of captain Lionel Messi on the field to get his attention. The soccer great seemed irritated in the film clip though later posed for a photo that Salt Bae posted on Instagram.

.

Keep Reading

•  vivo V30 5G launching in Kenya: Step into the future with style
•  How Kenya's ICT Accessibility Standards can create more inclusive workplaces
•  Unlocking photographic brilliance: Vivo V29 5G series with its smart aura light portrait
•  Vivo introduces V29 5G in Kenya with innovative smart aura light portrait and stunning 120 Hz 3D curved screen