Following the antics of celebrity chef Salt Bae, who joined in with Argentina’s celebrations on the field after their World Cup victory, Simon Jordan has accused FIFA of favoritism.
Salt Bae, whose true name is Nusret Gokce, was photographed at the Lusail Stadium holding the World Cup trophy and posing with a number of Argentina’s players.
In a series of videos he shared on Instagram, the renowned steak chef cut off celebrities like Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, and Angel di Maria as they posed with the World Cup, giving the group an unpleasant appearance.
The chef was also seen pleading with Lionel Messi for his attention despite the player’s apparent reluctance to speak with him. Eventually, the 35-year-old Argentinian turned around and posed for a photo with the chef, but Messi did not appear particularly pleased.
Gokce is a well-known buddy of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and he actually broke the rules set forth by the global governing body regarding who is permitted to handle the World Cup trophy.
FIFA’s website states, “Its current design dates back to 1974.” ‘The original Trophy can only be handled and held by a very small group of people, including former Fifa World Cup champions and leaders of state, as one of the most recognizable sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon.’
Jordan also criticized FIFA for using its authority improperly in response to Salt Bae’s antics on Sunday.
The former Crystal Palace chairman made a joke about Salt Bae’s steakhouse on talkSPORT, saying, “Maybe he felt he had a stake in the event.”
Naturally, it is cronyism. It most certainly is. When you consider it, you ask, “Why would that occur?” When Infantino is over there, you can then see where he eats.
“It’s absurd.” It has a silly appearance. Messi was clad in a traditional Arab cloak, which seemed odd, but I can see why they did it.
“Now we have these elitist cooks with whom we have a fight because they are entering the pitch.”
It goes against tradition and violates etiquette. Guess what it is because it has cronyism’s appearance, scent, movement, and speech. It is blatantly crony.
It isn’t professional, He is not welcome anywhere. He wasn’t supposed to be on the field.
What are FIFA doing, he continued? They truly make their presence known when they enter the town on foot. It’s like the Vatican showing up unexpectedly.
Italian player Guiseppe Rossi slamming Salt Bae
“I’m shocked that they would demand this level of investigation.” Infantino has brought more attention to whatever FIFA does simply by the nature of him flapping his gums. And You want the appearance to be appropriate.
You desire that standards be upheld. We don’t need a pretentious cook pacing the field and encircling a World Cup-winning athlete with his arm. Not required and not the appearance we want.
