FIFA finally break their silence over Salt Bae antics at World Cup final

FIFA have addressed the actions of Turkish chef Salt Bae at Sunday's World Cup final, four days after the events took place.

Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gokce, has been widely condemned for interrupting Argentina's World Cup-winning celebrations in the aftermath of their win against France.

The 39-year-old could be seen hounding the likes of Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Lisandro Martinez for a selfie – and even broke an official FIFA rule by kissing and holding the 18-carat gold World Cup trophy.

On their website, FIFA state: “As one of the most recognised sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy 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.”

Since his controversial antics took place, the governing body for football has been quiet on the situation.

But on Thursday afternoon, journalist Tariq Panja managed to get a comment from FIFA about the Salt Bae fiasco – and it suggests the Turkish butcher, chef and food entertainer gatecrashed Argentina's post-match celebrations.

A statement read: "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."

Gokce appears to have a long-standing friendship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who once described him as "a legend’ in a resurfaced video on Salt Bae’s Instagram page.

In the video that was filmed in January 2021, Infantino said: “Mr Nusret, number one. The best of the best. An unforgettable evening here in Dubai with Nusret. I’ll come back."

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

It also emerged this week that the restaurateur has been banned from the US Open Cup – the oldest football tournament in America – following his World Cup antics.

A number of selfies and awkward encounters from Sunday's World Cup final were posted on Gokce's Instagram page, including a video involving Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez, who didn't look too keen to get involved.

A clip of him meeting a far-from-impressed Lionel Messi soon made its way online, as well as pictures alongside Cristian Romero, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Otamendi and Alexis Mac Allister.

Days later and Salt Bae fired back at his critics by posting a clip of him meeting seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi at one of his restaurants back in 2018.

As you can see in the footage below, then-Barcelona forward Messi can be seen shaking hands with the chef before posing for a picture alongside Paul Pogba.

He captioned the post: "The champion" but failed to comment on his post-match behaviour.

SPORTbible has reached out to FIFA for further comment.