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      New Club World Cup outranks European Super League for self-preening greed, Gianni Infantino must be stopped

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      FIFA’s idea to stage a 32-team Club World Cup in 2025 outranks even the European Super League in self-preening greed.Fed on the success of the football in Qatar, no doubt president Gianni Infantino thinks he has timed his announcement as perfectly as Kylian Mbappe’s sliding volley in the World Cup final.
      Fifa recently announced plans for a new Club World CupCredit: Getty
      He could not be more wrong.
      Already forces which swatted aside the Super League plan, which was to be a private competition between a dozen European clubs, are preparing to go to war again.
      Infantino believes he is a special man, from his white trainers to his expenses claim for a £8,795 mattress at home.
      He is well named.
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      The infantile pre-tournament rant that he felt a kinship with Qataris, gays, disabled, Africans, migrant workers and women all because he had ginger hair, made me wish Sepp Blatter was back in charge.
      Infantino got away with the most unlikely World Cup venue outside the Moon and no one challenged it.
      He has now constructed this new tournament, as unstable as a wooden house in a rotten tree and is so pleased with himself that he couldn’t wait for the World Cup to finish before he unveiled it.
      Foisted on our sport by a bunch of crooks, Qatar worked because of worldwide enthusiasm for a great competition.
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      It did not work for the hundreds of migrant workers who died building the stadiums.
      Cramming it into the middle of the European season wasn’t popular, either.
      But the fact that national associations were persuaded (bullied) into it were grounds enough for similar arrangements to be put forward for this Club World Cup.
      Full of conceit, Infantino struck at the opportune moment to introduce his tournament, which he says would be played every four years and, he must have estimated, would dwarf the Champions League’s appeal and income.
      There appeared to be no thought about player exhaustion or how the lucky 32 clubs would be chosen, only hints that 13 places would go to European clubs.
      We have no further details yet but let’s say England will be granted one entrant.
      How does that come about?
      Presumably, the Premier League champions from the preceding competition would be chosen — but there must be doubts otherwise a more complete outline surely would have been announced?
      The fact Fifa have not yet announced how they will jam 48 teams into the 2026 World Cup rather supports my view that it is hit and hope.
      Still, it is possible that clubs will be selected by invitation.
      If so, you can bet Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus would receive very favourable treatment regardless of where they finish in their domestic leagues.
      This renegade trio has not given up on a European Super League because they see it as a huge money-spinner.
      And that is, despite the do-good speeches from Infantino & Co, the true motive for a Club World Cup: The billions to be made from huge attendances, TV rights and sponsorship.
      Fifa may see themselves as the United Nations of football but their ambitions are undermined by weak-kneed acceptance of Qatar’s stances and by the way in which previous committee members were corrupted.
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      Infantino now has a third term as president and plans to remain until 2031.
      His latest grab must be defeated. More

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      Graham Potter warns Hakim Ziyech to expect more time on Chelsea bench despite playmaker’s World Cup heroics with Morocco

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      HAKIM ZIYECH must still prove himself at Chelsea despite his World Cup wonders.The winger has been brought down to earth with a bump after starring for Morocco on their way to the semi finals.
      Hakim Ziyech has struggled for game time with ChelseaCredit: AFP
      Graham Potter has hinted Ziyech may have to be patientCredit: PA
      Ziyech has found holding down a place under boss Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge difficult and he is constantly linked with a move away to ease his pain.
      Yet he started every one of his country’s seven matches in Qatar as they proved to be the dark horses of the tournament in reaching the last four.
      Potter said: “He played against Man City, came on against Newcastle. Where he was at when we first came was a little bit away from the first XI.
      “He’s been involved in the games and came on in the first game as a sub. We know his qualities, we like him as a player, he plays between the lines with fantastic quality as we saw in the World Cup.
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      “At Chelsea there are always good players who aren’t in the starting XI and have to be patient.
      “I am delighted for him, we kept in touch with him over the World Cup. I am delighted for him that he got gametime, delighted for him that he helped his team, he’s a good guy and he’s got quality.”
      Ziyech, 29, will be one of the last two of Chelsea’s heavy World Cup contingent to report back for duty after the tournament.
      Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, whom he faced in the third and fourth place play-off, is also being allowed time off for their extended run.
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      The rest are back in training alongside those who missed out for selection or injury reasons.
      Right back Reece James played more than an hour of a behind-closed-doors friendly at Brentford on Tuesday as Chelsea gear up for their return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on the 27th.
      Potter may face a keeper dilemma with Senegal number one Edouard Mendy only just back in training and rival Kepa Arrizabalaga nearing the end of his rehab from a lengthy foot injury.
      Chelsea spent a week earlier this month in Abu Dhabi with their crocks and non-internationals having warm weather training.
      At Chelsea there are always good players who aren’t in the starting XI and have to be patient.Graham Potter
      Potter said: “We’ve used the time as best we can. The first days we had four players to work with. It would have been ideal to play Bournemouth at five-a-side, that would be good, but we can’t.
      “We used the young players, we upped the ideas, tried to consolidate the learning and make more connections with people at the club.
      “You forget you have this intense period and you’re still getting to know everyone around the building. We could do that, we had a really good period together so that helped that. The feeling is positive so we’re looking forward to the game.” More

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      Harry Kane looking ‘very well’ in Spurs training after World Cup return as Conte insists he will forget penalty horror

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      ANTONIO CONTE has no concerns whatsoever that Harry Kane will suffer a hangover from his World Cup penalty agony.Kane, 29, returned to Spurs training on Thursday, almost a fortnight after ballooning over from 12 yards in England’s quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar.
      Harry Kane returned to Spurs training on ThursdayCredit: Getty
      Tottenham currently sit fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Kane was left heartbroken after his penalty miss at the World CupCredit: PA
      Conte knows what it is like to have to deal with spot-kick heartbreak when Italy lost the 1994 World Cup final on the end-of-game lottery – though he was an unused sub at the time.
      And he is sure his star striker will be able to put the disappointment behind him.
      Conte said: “Football can have exciting moments and you can also have moments where you are a bit disappointed because you miss a penalty.
      “When I was a player I never missed a penalty because I didn’t kick (one). Never, because I was a real disaster at it!
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      “But with a penalty I lost a World Cup against Brazil and I think you live this moment and you are really disappointed.
      “For sure the first period you are sad but then you know that you have to move on.
      “Football gives you the opportunity to have other chances to enjoy it.
      “Honestly, I am not worried about him. I saw him very well in these two days with us.”
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      Kane blasted his crucial penalty over the bar as England crashed out of the World Cup against FranceCredit: PA
      Antonio Conte’s Spurs will return to action against Brentford on Boxing DayCredit: Getty
      Kane will likely go straight back into the Tottenham team at Brentford on Boxing Day.
      Particularly given Richarlison, the most obvious alternative, is expected to be out for another “three to four” weeks with a hamstring injury sustained at the World Cup.
      Fellow Brazilian Lucas Moura is also unavailable with a nagging tendon issue problem that has plagued him all season long, leaving Conte frustrated.
      The Spurs chief said: “Lucas has this problem, he is struggling a lot to find a solution.
      “For sure it’s a difficult situation. Because I have a good player in my squad, but he’s never available. I don’t know what in the future happens about him.”
      France captain Hugo Lloris, who lost the World Cup final on penalties to Argentina, returns to Tottenham training on Christmas Day.
      “When I was a player I never missed a penalty because I didn’t kick (one). Never, because I was a real disaster at it!Antonio Conte
      But Conte revealed the Les Bleus record-appearance maker will be on bench at the Bees the following day, handing Fraser Forster his first Premier League game for Spurs.
      Meanwhile, the saga surrounding whether Conte will sign a new contract rumbles on.
      He has six months left on his deal but is in talks over an extension with Spurs, who currently have the option of a further year on his current terms.
      Asked if he could give fans any assurances he would be penning a new contract, Conte was typically non-committal, though did say how “happy” he is at the club.
      The ex-Chelsea chief said: “We have six months to stay together, to enjoy the situation and then we find the best solution. But I am really happy here. This is very, very important for me.”
      Tottenham fans will be hoping for some new faces in January, though SunSport understands it will most likely be a ‘one in, one out’ scenario, if at all.
      Conte added that any possible signing will have to fit into the club’s policy of a younger talent with potential that will not break the bank on salary.
      He said: “We will try to follow this policy to improve the team. If there is the possibility to strengthen the squad we will do it.
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      “Otherwise, we will continue with these players, and I am happy with them.”
      Likely line-up: Forster; Dier, Lenglet, Davies; Royal, Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Doherty; Kulusevski, Kane, Son. More

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      Fifa president Gianni Infantino ‘unfollows’ pal Salt Bae on Instagram after World Cup final pitch invasion

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      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has unfollowed his pal Salt Bae in the wake of his shameful antics after the World Cup final.His snub came as the world governing body admitted the fame hungry chef should never have been allowed on the pitch to pester Lionel Messi.
      Fifa boss Gianni Infantino at Salt Bae’s restaurant in Doha last monthCredit: Saltbae Views
      Infantino and Salt Bae in the VIP box with Brazil legends Ronaldo, Cafu and Roberto CarlosCredit: Instagram
      Infantino has now unfollowed his friend on InstagramCredit: Instagram
      Fifa has admitted Salt Bae should not have been allowed to pester Argentina talisman Messi on the pitch
      The Turkish cook — real name Nusret Gökçe — has courted a years-long friendship with Fifa president Infantino.
      They have been pictured together several times, and the football chief has been gushing in his praise for the flamboyant Instagram star.
      During the World Cup, Infantino was filmed introducing Salt Bae to a series of VIPs including the King of Malaysia at a swanky official reception.
      The pair were also pictured together in a VIP box alongside Brazil legends Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu.
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      Infantino also visited Gökçe’s Nusr-Et steakhouse in Doha where he was filmed giving the chef a hug.
      And he said: “Football unites the world and Nusret unites the world as well.”
      Infantino was also filmed imitating Salt Bae’s salt sprinkle gimmick in a cringe-worthy video at his Dubai restaurant in 2020.
      He gushed: “He is number one. The meat here is incredible.
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      “Food is like football — it’s heart, it’s emotion, it’s love — all the ingredients we can find them here thanks to this man.”
      In another video in 2021 Infantino said: “Mr Nusret, number one. The best of the best. An unforgettable evening here in Dubai with Nusret. I’ll come back.
      “Legend, he’s a legend. Legend number one. Thank you very much.”
      Another snap shows Infantino grinning while holding up a Christmas jumper featuring Salt Bae in knitted form.
      And he was pictured in a Salt Bea branded apron and holding a slab of meat, apparently during a private cooking lesson.
      However the bromance seems to be over today after he unfollowed Salt Bae on Instagram.
      Infantino previously followed 303 accounts but now that is down to 302.
      And Salt Bae’s official account @nusr_et — with 49.9million followers — no longer comes up on his feed.
      It comes after Fifa last night finally responded to the embarrassing scenes on the pitch following Argentina’s nailbiting victory on Sunday night.
      Gökçe was seen grabbing Messi by the shoulder at least twice as the baffled megastar tried to shrug him off.
      The chef — wearing a Fifa security pass — also muscled in on Argentina’s celebrations, snatched the trophy from one winner’s baby, and bit players’ medals.
      As well as spoiling the celebrations and annoying the champions, Gökçe also broke Fifa’s strict rules by pawing and kissing the trophy.
      Only a select group are allowed to handle the £17million gold icon including former winners and heads of state.
      The chef faced a furious backlash from his own fans over his attention seeking antics at the World Cup final.
      And Fifa was forced into a humiliating admission last night as fury over his conduct grew worldwide.
      It said Gökçe should not have been on the pitch and it will discipline staff as part of an official probe.
      The governing body said: “Following a review, Fifa has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on December 18.
      “The appropriate internal action will be taken.”
      Fifa sources reportedly deny that Gökçe was personally invited on the pitch by Infantino himself.
      Salt Bae has also now been barred from attending The US Open Cup, the equivalent of England’s FA Cup, following the disgraceful scenes in Qatar.
      Organisers tweeted: “Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 US Open Cup final.”
      The US Open Cup is a knockout competition featuring teams from the MLS as well as other domestic tournaments.
      Salt Bae has brushed off criticism of his conduct – and instead continued trying to show his closeness to football icons.
      He reposted an old video of him hugging Messi when he visited his Dubai steakhouse in 2018.
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      And another vid shows his shrine to the late Diego Maradona with one table “permanently reserved”.
      That was despite Maradona ridiculing Salt Bae to his face with a hilarious dig at his “sprinkle” gesture.
      Salt Bae and Gianni Infantino have been pals for yearsCredit: Instagram
      Infantino introduced Salt Bae to VIPs at a reception in Qatar last weekCredit: Instagram
      Infantino performs the ‘sprinkle’ at Salt Bae’s Dubai steak house in 2020Credit: Instagram
      Fifa has launched a probe into how Salt Bae gatecrashed Argentina’s World Cup celebrations
      He finally got a selfie with Lionel Messi but should not have been on the pitchCredit: instagram
      Salt Bae was pictured pawing the trophy in breach of Fifa’s strict rulesCredit: instagram More

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      Edinson Cavani and fellow Uruguay stars could face ‘6-month BAN’ from Fifa over behaviour following World Cup exit

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      URUGUAY stars are reportedly facing a six-month ban from Fifa for their behaviour following their exit from the World Cup.The South American team was knocked out of the tournament without even making it past the group stage.
      Uruguay players could be banned for their behaviour after being knocked out of the World CupCredit: EPA
      Edinson Cavani knocked over a VAR monitor during the protestsCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 in their final match, but it was not enough to qualify for the knockout stages as South Korea beat Portugal to claim the second qualifying spot on goals scored.
      And many of the team’s players did not take their exit well, with Jose Gimenez and Edinson Cavani the most vocal with their heavy complaints to the officials.
      Former Manchester United striker Cavani was even spotted knocking over the VAR monitor in his protest over the outcome.
      Goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and defender Deigo Godin were also heavily involved.
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      The footballers could now be sanctioned for breaking articles 11 and 12, for which the punishment could be “the prohibition of carrying out activities related to football for at least six months”, according to AS.
      Article 12 relates to the “Improper conduct of players and officials”.
      Uruguayan newspaper El País has said that Fifa has up to January 9 to present the allegations.
      The penalty that could be imposed on the players would range from between ten to 15 games.
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      Cavani and Gimenez’s clubs, Valencia and Atletico Madrid, are confident that their players would still be able to play as the punishment would “only the matches actually played by the corresponding team will be computed for the purposes of executing the suspension”.
      This means that they would potentially be banned from playing for Uruguay.
      However, if Fifa judges their behaviour to be public incitement to “hate or violence”, then they could be sanctioned with a ban on football-related activities for at least six months. More

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      Lionel Messi offered $1MILLION for bisht he wore to lift World Cup trophy by Omani lawyer

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      A LAWYER has offered Lionel Messi $1MILLION for the bisht he wore while lifting the World Cup. Ahmed Al Barwani, a lawyer and member of parliament in Oman, made the huge offer in the hopes of keeping the historic clothing in the Middle East.
      Lionel Messi was given a special bisht after winning the World CupCredit: Getty
      Messi lifted the World Cup wearing the bishtCredit: Getty
      Taking to Twitter, he said: “From the Sultanate of Oman I congratulate you for winning the World Cup Qatar 2022…
      “The Arabic bisht, a symbol of chivalry and wisdom. I’m offering you a million dollars (£829,000) in return for that bisht.”
      A bisht, which is the robe Messi was presented with just before he lifted the Jules Rimet, is a traditional men’s cloak in the Arab world often donned by high-status individuals.
      The wearing of a bisht is reserved for special occasions, and is viewed as a sign of appreciation and respect.
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      Al Barwani also revealed his intentions with the robe.
      He told The National: “I was at the stadium watching that moment live when the Emir of Qatar gave Messi the bisht.
      “This moment told the world that we are here, and this is our culture, please know it well.
      “It will be displayed to commemorate that moment of pride, and to help us relive it, and to also remind us that we can (do anything).”
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      Following the final it was revealed that the bisht Messi wore cost £1,650.
      Furthermore, two of the special robes were made for Messi and rival captain Hugo Lloris in the event that France came out victorious instead of Argentina.
      Qatar-based tailor Muhammad Abdullah Al-Salem was responsible for making the items of clothing.
      On making them, he said: “At first, we were not aware when we were asked to design this bisht that it was for the World Cup champion.
      “We were surprised that the bisht that Messi wore was from our store, and I felt proud when my knowledge is that our store was the first choice of officials to manufacture this bisht.” More

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      Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag will NOT let World Cup heartache get in way of Premier League fight for top four spot

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      ERIK TEN HAG will not let the World Cup become an excuse for any of his stars not hitting the ground running when the scrap for a top four slot resumes.Ten Hag had 13 players in Qatar – only champions Manchester City, with 16, had more – and the United boss feared it would bring his rebuilding plans to a grinding halt.
      Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag does not want his players to dwell on the World CupCredit: Getty
      Marcus Rashford was one of 13 Red Devils players at Qatar for the tournamentCredit: Reuters
      Yet that doesn’t mean the Dutchman will accept anything but a flying start when they get back to domestic action against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
      And that includes centre back Lisandro Martinez, who has spent the past few days celebrating Argentina’s World Cup triumph.
      Ten Hag insisted: “We all knew the restart was five or six days after the final, and everyone has to be ready and accept it.
      “The manager and coaching staff of course, but also the players – they have to accept it as well if they want trophies.
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      “We spoke about the tough competition but we have to be ready for that and deal with it. We have to do it smart and hopefully get the right performance and results.
      “We have a plan for all the players, and it’s all individual based. No one is the same or has the same programme or minutes. It depends on the positions and their age.”
      Martinez and French defender Rafa Varane are the only two players still to return to training after being in Qatar for the duration of the tournament.
      Both will be assessed before ten Hag decides if either will feature against Forest, and his selection is also dependent on Harry Maguire recovering from illness.
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      Ten Hag added: “I don’t know yet. I couldn’t answer. Martinez is still celebrating in Argentina, and I can understand that.
      “Winning the World Cup for your country is the highest you can be – but he also has to accept that on the 27th the Premier League comes back.”
      United return to Prem action one place outside the Champions League slot, albeit with a game in hand on Tottenham.
      Ten Hag knows a top four finish is the minimum requirement and crucial if he hopes to attract the world’s best players to Old Trafford in the summer.
      It means the United gaffer is arguably under more pressure than any of his peers to command a place at Europe’s top table – yet it is a burden he relishes.
      He admitted: “I accept how it is, I accept that pressure. But also for the manager of Chelsea, of Newcastle United, those clubs who have invested a lot in their squad.
      “It’s big pressure for all of us to get into the top four. We want to be in there and fighting for trophies – that’s our aim.
      “We are aware the competition is tough but that also counts for the seven or eight clubs fighting for the top four.
      “For anyone watching the Premier League, it is great for them, it’s very exciting for them. I am looking at the process of how we are performing.
      “Of course, we have to get the results as well but the process is right, we are making progress, and I think we have a good opportunity and a good chance to make that top four.”
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      Meanwhile, United are already drawing up plans for next summer’s pre-season tour, which will almost certainly be to America.
      Final details are still to be confirmed, but they are set to return to the States for the first time since 2018, with the West Coast the likely destination. More

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      Inside Salt Bae £40m fortune after dropping out of school to set up string of ‘rip off’ restaurants selling £1k steaks

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      NUSRET Gökçe went from humble beginnings to running a global restaurant empire and a personal fortune estimated at more than £40million.The former butcher’s apprentice – known as Salt Bae to his 50million Instagram followers – now enjoys a glam lifestyle with private jet flights and a reputed £1million car collection.
      Pricey steak merchant Salt Bae has an estimated £40million fortuneCredit: Refer to Caption
      The £36million palace Nusret calls home in Istanbul
      Salt Bae is said to have an incredible car collection worth £1millionCredit: Instagram/@nusr_et
      But he came from humble origins as a butcher’s apprenticeCredit: Instagram
      This week he faced a storm of criticism after badgering Lionel Messi and grabbing the trophy from Argentina players after the World Cup final.
      Fifa has admitted he should never have been allowed on the pitch and launched an official probe.
      But it comes after Gökçe made his fame and fortune by cosying up to footballers and celebrities.
      The fame hungry chef has posed alongside global stars from David Beckham, Kylian Mbappe and Conor McGregor to DJ Khaled and Leonardo DiCaprio.
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      Non VIPs also flock to his restaurants hoping for a pic with Salt Bae to share on Instagram.
      And they fork out up to £1,450 – as Gemma Collins did – for one of his Instagramable gold leaf steaks.
      Gökçe, 39, now has a chain of 22 Nusr-Et steakhouses around the world.
      His 15th, opened to great fanfare in Knightsbridge last year, made £7million in its first four months despite poor reviews.
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      The eye-watering prices caused a storm when it emerged he charges £100 for a burger, £11 for Red Bull and £9 for water.
      One table of four spent £37,000 including £600 on baklava pastries and £5,000 on service.
      But his London staff are paid as little as £10.50 an hour – one third the cost of a salad.
      Meanwhile last month he caused fury by boasting how a group’s bill totalled £140,000 for a meal in Abu Dhabi.
      It is not clear how much of the money goes to Gökçe as the restaurants are owned by a holding company and may have other investors.
      However he is not shy of showing off his lavish lifestyle on the ‘gram.
      Pics show him stepping off private jets and in the back of limos.
      In 2019, he reportedly splashed out £36million to buy luxurious hotel Macka Palace in Istanbul.
      He is believed to live in a penthouse apartment and also opened another of his restaurants there.
      Announcing the landmark moment on Instagram, he said: “I had one dream which was to have my own restaurant at my own hotel.
      “Thank God one of my biggest dreams is coming true.”
      Gökçe is also believed to have property in the UK and US and often posts pictures from a private pool in Beverly Hills and riding horses on a ranch..
      And he reportedly has an enviable supercar collection including three Rolls-Royces and a Lamborghini Hurracan. 
      It is a far cry from his childhood – which was reportedly so poor he had to drop out of school aged 12.
      Nusret’s rags-to-riches story began in a poverty-stricken suburb east of Instanbul, Turkey.
      He was one of five children whose miner father spent months away working.
      Speaking to The Times in 2019, Nusret said he often went to school wearing shoes and shirts that didn’t fit as his parents could afford anything else.  
      He claims his family took him out of school so he could help earn money and at 13 he was taken on as a butcher’s apprentice.
      He recalled: “I woke up at six o’clock, two hours on the train commute and 30 minutes after the train in the bus.
      “Then all day long, standing and working. No day off and no vacation.” 
      He also worked in steakhouses, washing dishes to work his way up from the bottom.  
      He told NBC in 2017: “Since I was 14, I worked more than 13 hours a day as a kitchen runner for a butcher.
      “I was always wishing and wishing to open up a restaurant.”
      Later he convinced a bank to lend him £2,500 so he could travel to Argentina to learn about the meat trade.
      After years when he claims he “worked for free” to gain experience, he returned to his home city Istanbul.
      And at the age of 27, he opened his first Nusr-Et steakhouse in 2010 with just eight tables and ten employees.
      Turkish tycoon Ferit Sahenk was so impressed he offered to invest, and helped Nusr-et launched outposts in Ankara and Dubai.
      Sexiest butcher on Instagram
      But his career did not really take off until a monster hit viral video of his now-famous “sprinkle” in January 2017.
      A 36-second Instagram video called Ottoman Steak showed Gökçe theatrically slicing steak at a table.
      Then holding his hand in a “cobra” pose he lets salt flow down his forearm to season the meat.
      Bruno Mars tweeted the video, which instantly went viral and earned Gökçe the title of “sexiest butcher on Instagram”.
      The gimmick also earned him the nickname Salt Bae – and millions of followers on Instagram.
      “All of my feelings are coming from inside of the meat, down to when I put the salt onto the meat,” he once explained.
      Success meant expansion in the US, with restaurants in Dallas, Boston, Beverly Hills and New York, as well as Mykonos in Greece.
      Celebrities including Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, DJ Khaled and Naomi Campbell flocked to the US outlets.
      And one Insta post shows Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio captivated as his tomahawk is showered with salt by the chef.
      Now at the height of his fame and success he is battling to recover his reputation after the embarrassing scenes in Qatar.
      Fifa boss Gianni Infantino – who previously showered praise on Salt Bae – has unfollowed him on social media.
      The row has also seen him banned by a US sporting event next year.
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      He has tried to shrug off the controversy and last night posted bizarre videos of himself flexing his muscles in the gym in Dubai.
      He also posted a photo of himself as a 12-year-old, harking back to his humble origins.
      Nusret holding a hunk of gold coated meat in Mykonos, where he has a restaurant
      Celebrity fans include David BeckhamCredit: Refer to Caption
      Nusret (centre) was born into poverty in Turkey
      The butcher’s apprenticeship set him on a path to success
      Salt Bae shot to fame with his signature sprinkleCredit: Instagram
      Nusret with his famous gold-covered steak – costing up to £1,450
      Salt Bae travels by private jet between restaurantsCredit: Instagram
      Nusret with the nine kids he called his “family”Credit: Instagram
      The chef in his Saltfather modeCredit: Instagram More