Celebrity Chef “Salt Bae” Banned From U.S. Open Cup

Divisive celebrity chef Nusret Goekce, known popularly as “Salt Bae,” has been banned from the U.S. Open Cup after heavy criticism for his conduct at the FIFA World Cup last week. 

The Turkish-born Goecke was seen at the World Cup walking around the field following Argentina’s victory, at times attempting to get the attention of the Argentinian players and at one point handling the victory trophy. 

League rules stipulate that only a select few individuals can handle the trophy; FIFA itself is reportedly looking into the circumstances surrounding the controversy. 

Goecke has meanwhile been banned from the U.S. Open Cup’s final match, with the competition’s official Twitter account confirming the ban on Twitter this week. 

“Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 [Open Cup] Final,” the league tweeted. 

Goecke was granted the “Salt Bae” moniker after the controversial way in which he prepares steaks in his restaurants, theatrically slicing them before dusting them with finishing salt with a unique flourish.