Salt Bae holds soccer World Cup trophy on field: FIFA to take action against breach in protocol
FIFA administration said that it would take suitable action on an internal level to address the act of holding the trophy on the field by the celebrity chef Salt Bae, which was a breach of World Cup protocol, reports PTI.
The chef, Salt Bae, is seen with FIFA president Gianni Infantino very often. He mingled with the players from Argentina and posed for pictures after the team won the World Cup in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday.
Since FIFA considers the trophy a 'priceless icon', it lays restrictions on touching and holding it, saying only a select group of people, including former winners of the World Cup and heads of the state, may do so.
“Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail stadium on Dec. 18,” the world soccer body said.
Salt Bae owns a restaurant in Doha and was a regular guest of the FIFA, with VIP access during the World Cup. He also posted photos and video clips during the event on social media.
After Argentina won in a penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw, he was filmed holding Lionel Messi's arm on the field in an attempt to catch the attention of the Argentina captain.
Messi, however, looked irked by this in the video clip, although he then posed for a photo with Salt Bae, which the latter posted on Instagram.
Messi deserves another World Cup for not giving a single fuck about Salt Bae pic.twitter.com/EIsM8lnc8S
— Bobby Reagan (@BarstoolReags) December 19, 2022
Salt Bae needs to be stopped pic.twitter.com/m6u9NIhs2X
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 20, 2022
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
