Topics: Football World Cup, Argentina, France, Lionel Messi
Football fans think they've found the explanation for why Salt Bae was allowed on the pitch following the World Cup final between Argentina and France.
There was major confusion and outrage amongst supporters when the viral celebrity chef, real name Nusret Gökçe, was seen taking pictures with the World Cup trophy and a slew of Argentina's stars.
While spending time with his family after the triumph, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was seen pieing off Salt Bae on two occasions after he made two attempts to get his attention, before reluctantly agreeing to take a picture with him.
Lisandro Martinez looked so awkward when Salt Bae posed with him, as did Angel di Maria.
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Salt Bae posted a series of snaps with the World Cup trophy, swapping gold steaks for the 18-carat gold prize - which is said to worth £17.7 million.
However, there was mass uproar given the rules say that the trophy can only be touched by a "select group of people", namely former winners of the FIFA World Cup and heads of state.
"The Times reporter Martyn Ziegler questioned Salt Bae's access, writing: "I’d love to hear FIFA’s explanation of why this celebrity chef gets access onto the pitch at a World Cup final for selfies with Messi etc."
Well, it seems as though fans have worked out just why Salt Bae was given the freedom of the Lusail Stadium. It turns out he is a friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has been at his restaurant before.
In January 2021, Salt Bae posted a video of Infantino enjoying the food in Dubai and the Infantino did a piece to camera waxing lyrical about the Turkish butcher being "number one".
Fans have found the video and reckon the link between the two is why Salt Bae was allowed special treatment.
One wrote: "Now we know how he got on the field an touched the trophy."
A second said: "That's why this mf was on the field with the players? CRINGE."
A third opined: "Everything wrong with FIFA compressed into one short clip."
A fourth added: "This is how he scored an invite?"
Salt Bae has been banned from the oldest football tournament in America in response to his World Cup cameo.
However, the 39-year-old has hit back at critics by sharing footage of Messi at his restaurant back in 2018.
