FIFA belatedly opens investigation into Salt Bae's pitch appearance at World Cup final

The controversy over the individual also known as 'Salt Bae', a friend of footballers and VIPs, who managed to be present on the pitch at the award ceremony of the World Cup final in Qatar between Argentina and France, where he was even able to kiss the World Cup next to Lionel Messi (35), has been running on since Sunday.

The episode, much criticised on social media, has led FIFA to take a stance with a statement in which the highest body in world football assured it would take appropriate action.

"Following an audit," said a spokesperson, "Fifa has established that certain individuals had undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at the Lusail stadium on December 18.

"Appropriate internal measures will be taken."

On Twitter, the criticism for the pictures of Salt Bae, who has become famous for his grilled steaks and his particular way of salting meat, holding the World Cup, has not abated.

In fact, while the Argentine World Champions were cheering with friends, family and fans, he picked up the cup to take some photos - a scene that infuriated fans on social media.

"Disrespectful, you have no right," wrote one user. "Please stop eating in his restaurant, boycott him," wrote another.