A legal battle involving Cardiff City and French club Nantes has been going on for nearly seven years following the tragic death of Emiliano Sala in January 2019.
Cardiff City have released a powerful statement on the eve of a landmark court hearing into the tragic death of Emiliano Sala in January 2019. The club is seeking £105 million in damages from France’s Nantes for 28-year-old Sala, who died when his Wales-bound plane crashed into the Channel.
The Argentine striker, who Cardiff had agreed to sign from Nantes for £15 million, was killed along with pilot David Ibbotson. Willie McKay and his son Mark arranged for an unauthorized private flight to Cardiff.
The legal battle between the two clubs has been going on for nearly seven years, with David Henderson sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in organizing the flight. Proceedings will begin at the Nantes Commercial Court on Monday at 4pm UK time.
French judges will consider whether Nantes is liable for Cardiff’s financial losses and, if so, how much damages should be awarded. In a strongly worded statement posted on its website, Ligue 1 leaders said: “Tomorrow, the Commercial Court of Nantes will finally hear Cardiff City Football Club’s case against FC Nantes.”
“We want to hold FC Nantes accountable for the negligence committed by Willy Mackay, the real representative of FC Nantes. This tragedy, which began almost seven years ago, cost Emiliano Sala his life.”
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“It is a tragedy that could have been avoided if those involved in the transfer for the FC Nantes side had not relied on the services of banned agents who organized illegal flights to seal the deal. However, on the eve of the hearing there is also hope.
“This hearing marks another step in uncovering the truth and establishing greater accountability in football. This lawsuit is not about harming football, but about protecting its integrity.”
“This is about ensuring higher standards across our sport, especially when it comes to transfers. Because Emiliano Sala deserves better. Because football deserves better.”
Monday’s hearing will begin with the judge giving an initial summary of the case after considering all documents submitted by both clubs. Lawyers for each party will then present their arguments.
A final ruling is not expected until spring 2026. At the time of Sala’s death, Cardiff were in the Premier League and were managed by Neil Warnock.
Sarah’s body was discovered in the wreckage of a plane that crashed near Guernsey on January 21, 2019. No trace of Ibbotson’s body has been found.
Later that season Cardiff were relegated to the Championship. The Bluebirds continued to play in English football’s second tier, but dropped to League One in May this year. They are currently in first place with one point difference with one game remaining.
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