French court rejects Cardiff City’s £104m Emiliano Sala claim

A French court has rejected Cardiff City’s claim for more than £104m in compensation following the death of footballer, Emiliano Sala.

Sala, 28, and pilot, David Ibbotson, died when the Piper Malibu plane carrying them crashed into the English Channel on the night of January 21, 2019.

The Argentine striker was on his way to join Cardiff City from FC Nantes for a £15m transfer fee.

Cardiff City had claimed over €120m (£104m), citing loss of income and other damages, arguing that Sala could have helped the club stay in the Premier League.

As reported by the BBC on Monday, the court in Nantes dismissed the claim and ordered Cardiff City to pay around £400,000 in legal fees and moral damages to FC Nantes.

The payment is due immediately, regardless of any appeal.

Cardiff City has not yet decided whether to challenge the ruling.

Capital Law, representing the club, said it would take time to consider the verdict.

Sala’s mother, Mercedes Taffarel, was present in court alongside Cardiff City representatives to hear the decision.

This latest ruling is another major setback for Cardiff, effectively ending their attempt to recover significant financial losses linked to the incident.

The case has become one of football’s most complex legal disputes, highlighting issues around player transfers, agent involvement, and safety regulations in the sport.