FIFA speak out after Salt Bae was pictured taking photos with Messi and his teammates at the World Cup final, insists 'internal action will be taken'

FIFA speak out after Salt Bae was pictured taking photos with Messi and his teammates at the World Cup final, insists

FIFA has spoken out after Salt Bae was pictured taking photos with Lionel Messi and his teammates at the World Cup final in Qatar.

Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gokce, broke FIFA rules by touching and holding the World Cup as he joined in with Argentina's celebrations on the pitch after their World Cup win.

World football's governing body had opted for a vow of silence on Salt Bae's antics - which have been widely criticised on social media - before finally commenting Thursday afternoon, .

FIFA speak out after Salt Bae was pictured taking photos with Messi and his teammates at the World Cup final, insists

FIFA have vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and suggested Salt Bae 'gained undue access to the pitch'.

'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,' a spokesperson told Sportsmail.

Questions have been raised about the close relationship between the Turkish chef and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Salt Bae was given a VVIP pass for the final by Infantino, despite him having no links or ties to football, the teams involved or the tournament itself.

Gokce was able to access the pitch at the Lusail Stadium and was pictured holding the trophy and posing for pictures with the iconic golden prize.

Football's governing body have a set of rules surrounding the World Cup trophy, with a very specific list of those allowed to touch it.

'Its current design dates back to 1974,' FIFA's website reads. '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.'

Salt Bae, who does not meet any of the criteria outlined by FIFA, has openly promoted pictures of himself with the trophy on Instagram despite the blatant rule breach.

by Linda Ikeji at 22/12/2022 9:50 PM

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Anonymous about 10 hours ago

Investigate Rihanna sef

Like this! 2 Dislike this! 2 Reply

Anonymous about 9 hours ago

Where are those useless Nigerians who were blasting the British media that was one of those who raised their concern with salt baes act?? The Argentine media were also aghast with shock at his antics, yet you fools kept shouting race.

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Anonymous about 9 hours ago

It appears the current FIFA president is corrupt

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I am KingE about 9 hours ago

Salt bae go soon turn maggi bae.

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Jafour about 8 hours ago

Rihanna that touched it, what did you people do about it

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Anonymous about 4 hours ago

This current FIFA president is just as bad as the former one

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Anonymous about 1 hour ago

People too get wahala ooo... Just say he touch the world cup 😯!! I fear "Aye O" , shey make them kill the man' that one go better abi ? Can't get enough lolz.

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