iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Director of Sports, Stuart McMurdo shares his grounded theory on how the historic venue has retained its year-round appeal
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Look: Dubai chef Salt Bae poses with Argentina's World Cup trophy, angers fans
According to Fifa, the prestigious 18-carat trophy can only be touched and held by a select group, which includes former winners and heads of state
Photos: @nusr_et
The World Cup 2022 in Qatar has been exhilarating, culminating with Argentina's 4-2 win on penalties against powerful rivals France in the final match last Sunday. Cited as one of the most intense and thrilling finals in the history of the tournament, the match saw Messi (and the Albicelestes) win the coveted trophy 36 years after his mentor won it in 1986.
But while the twists and turns in the tournament kept people riveted, there were a few moments in the aftermath that didn't go down well with fans.
Earlier this week, visuals of Turkish celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe — famously known as Salt Bae — posing with the World Cup trophy, went viral. The Dubai-based restaurateur took to his social media accounts to post several photos and videos of himself on the pitch during the Argentina post-match celebrations.
In some, he was seen admiring the coveted trophy; in others, pretending to sprinkle salt on the golden prize in a nod to his trademark technique. He even bit the players' medals in some of his photos with them.
This angered football fans, leading them to vent their displeasure online. One Netizen wrote: “You shouldn’t touch the Cup. You’re not a champion.”
According to Fifa, the prestigious 18-carat trophy being "one of the most recognised sports symbols in the world and a priceless icon ... can only be touched and held by a very select group of people, which includes former winners ... and heads of state."
Fans were equally displeased at viral videos in which the social media sensation could be seen repeatedly asking players like Messi to pose with him for a photo.
In what looks like a response to his detractors, the food entertainer's most recent post is a throwback video to when Messi visited his Dubai restaurant in 2018. Fifa have yet to comment on the events.
ALSO READ:
More news from Sports
LIV Golf returns to the calendar in Chicago where the 48 players will be playing for $25 million in the Team and Individual events
Edgar Cheung's Tokyo Olympics gold turned him into a celebrity and prompted parents in Hong Kong to sign their children up for fencing classes
Al Nuaimi is preparing to represent the UAE at the Asian Games in China, provided the cut that he suffered from a head-butt by Kibazange heals
Deepak Nicholas and Pankaj Gautam beaten on the countback in the Race to Obidos Qualifier Number Two at Ajman
He will now target a third victory of the season in the season's final Grand Prix on the Tagus river in Vila Velha de Ródão
Champions go two points clear of Liverpool as In-form Tottenham scored twice in stoppage-time to beat Sheffield United
Team Abu Dhabi star shrugs off practice accident to remain in control of F2 title race