FIFA president Gianni Infantino 'unfollows' Salt Bae on Instagram after World Cup final controversy

Gianni Infantino appears to have unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram after FIFA launched an investigation into how the celebrity chef was allowed entry to the pitch after the World Cup final.

Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe, was seen rubbing shoulders with Argentina players and posing with the World Cup trophy.

He took a picture with Lionel Messi, though Argentina's captain did initially snub him on two occasions. Lisandro Martinez also looked unbelievably awkward taking a picture with the Turkish butcher.

And there was outrage over how Salt Bae was allowed to touch the 18-carat gold World Cup trophy, when the rules stipulate that it should only be former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.

After a period of silence, FIFA eventually issued a comment on the situation.

A statement given to journalist Tariq Panja on Thursday afternoon said: "Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on 18 December. The appropriate internal action will be taken."

And according to Sky Sports president Kaveh Solhekol, FIFA president Infantino has since unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram.

He previously followed just 303 people on the platform but that has dropped to 302 as Salt Bae's official account @nusr_et, with its 49.9 million followers, no longer comes up on his feed.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino followed 303 people on Instagram. One of them was Salt Bae. Not any more. Unfollowed.

— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) December 22, 2022

The two would appear to have a long-running friendship. In January 2021, Salt Bae posted a video of Infantino enjoying the food at his restaurant Dubai and Infantino did a piece to camera calling him a "legend" and "number one".

He said: “Mr Nusret, number one. The best of the best. An unforgettable evening here in Dubai with Nusret. I’ll come back.

"Legend, he’s a legend. Legend number one. Thank you very much.”

He also shared a snap of him with Infantino and football legends Ronaldo Nazario, Roberto Carlos and Cafu at a World Cup fixture.

From 26-28th December, watch all 10 Premier League games live, including Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs West Ham, Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest and more. Watch for free with a 30-day free trial to Prime!