Celebrity chef Nusret Gokce, known as Salt Bae, sparked global outrage after the 2022 World Cup final by walking onto the pitch at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. He approached Argentina players for photographs, including Lionel Messi, who visibly tried to avoid him. The most significant breach occurred when Salt Bae held, kissed, and playfully slapped the 18-carat gold World Cup trophy, violating strict FIFA regulations.
FIFA's stance on Salt Bae's access
FIFA regulations state that the trophy can only be touched by former winners and heads of state. Despite widespread rumours of a lifetime ban, FIFA has not officially banned Salt Bae from future World Cup finals, including the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina. However, FIFA launched an internal investigation into how he gained unauthorised access to the pitch.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Salt Bae's presence was unauthorised and that appropriate internal action would be taken. The organisation faced criticism for security lapses at one of the world's most protected events.
Consequences beyond FIFA
While FIFA did not issue a public ban, other sporting events took action. The U.S. Open Cup, the oldest national soccer competition in the United States, officially banned Salt Bae from attending their 2023 championship final. The ban was announced on Twitter, citing his behaviour at the World Cup final.
The fallout extended beyond sports. Rolling Loud, a major international music festival, banned Salt Bae from its Los Angeles event in March 2023, stating the decision was a direct consequence of his disrespectful actions on the pitch.
Ongoing public backlash
Social media backlash against Salt Bae was intense, with many calling for a lifetime ban from all FIFA events. Despite this, no official ban has been announced for the 2026 World Cup final. The chef has not publicly commented on the bans from the U.S. Open Cup or Rolling Loud.
