After making headlines for the wrong reasons during the World Cup, Salt Bae has been banned from the US Open Cup.
The most historic football competition in America has decided to prohibit the internet sensation celebrity chef Salt Bae, real name Nusret Gökçe.
The US Open Cup tweeted yesterday (December 21): “Salt Bae is hereby barred from the 2023 @opencup Final.”
Therefore, don’t anticipate the restaurateur visiting the Land of Opportunity any time soon.
It follows the chef’s disturbance at the World Cup final.
The Turkish salt sprinkler suddenly found its way onto the field as players were spotted celebrating with their family after Argentina defeated France 4-2.
Even the man of the moment, Lionel Messi, was approached by Salt Bae for a short photo.
The Turkish butcher gave Messi a tap on the shoulder while donning his trademark sunglasses. Messi briefly turned around, but he was having none of it and shrugged him off.
The footballer was being barraged with photo requests as the celebrations heated up; it would have been the ideal moment to go.
Salt Bae ignored the warning, persisted in harassing Messi, and eventually succeeded in getting a photo with him. He then shared the photo with his 49.8 million Instagram followers.
Along with several other team players, the 39-year-old also posed with Angel di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Otamendi, Paulo Dybala, and Alexis MacAllister.
The 18-carat gold World Cup trophy, estimated to be worth a staggering £17.7 million (AUD $31.8m or USD $21.3m), was even touched by Salt Bae.
Only a “select few,” including former champions and heads of state, are permitted to touch the trophy, according to the FIFA World Cup.
