Fifa is investigating how celebrity chef Salt Bae and a number of others gained ‘undue access’ to the pitch at the end of the World Cup final in Qatar.
Salt Bae, the Turkish chef whose real name is Nusret Gokce, was pictured holding and kissing the World Cup trophy while celebrating with the Argentine players after their win over France.
Fifa rules say the trophy can only be held by a “very select” group of people, including tournament winners, Fifa officials and heads of state.
In a statement to BBC Sport, a Fifa spokesperson said: “Following a review, Fifa has established how individuals gained improper access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on December 18.
“Appropriate internal measures will be taken.”
Salt Bae owns a chain of luxury steakhouses and shot to fame in 2017 after his technique for preparing and seasoning meat became an internet meme.
Many current and former footballers, including Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham, have eaten at the restaurants in Salt Bae.
In November, during the World Cup, he posted a video of himself kissing Fifa President Gianni Infantino, with whom he was later photographed in the VIP seats during a match with Brazilian legends Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
Messi appeared to ignore Salt Bae in the turbulent scenes after Argentina’s win as the chef tried to get his attention.
