More than eight years after Emiliano Sala’s death, Cardiff City’s claim for compensation of more than £100m has been rejected by a French court.
Emiliano Sala died in 2008 (Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Cardiff City’s claim for more than £100m in compensation following the tragic death of Emiliano Sala has been rejected by a French court. Argentine striker Salah, 28, died in a plane crash in January 2018, along with pilot David Ibbotson.
He had signed for the Bluebirds from French club Nantes for £15m and was flying across the Channel in a Piper Malibu jet en route to Cardiff.
Cardiff, who were in the Premier League at the time, claim Salah could have kept the team in the top flight and claimed lost income and other damages.
The club has also been forced to pay around £400,000 in legal costs and emotional damage incurred by Nantes. Fines are payable immediately, regardless of any possibility of appeal.
read more: Emiliano Sala: Cardiff releases passionate statement on eve of landmark £105m hearingread more: Cardiff to sue Nantes for up to £200m over Emiliano Sala transfer
Cardiff have not yet decided whether to appeal. Capital Law, which represents the club, said it would take time to implement the ruling.
Sarah’s mother, Mercedes Taffarel, appeared in court to witness the sentencing along with representatives from Cardiff City.
Before the hearing, Cardiff released an impassioned statement. It read: “Tomorrow, the Nantes Commercial Court will finally hear the proceedings brought by Cardiff City Football Club 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.”
Tribute to Emiliano Sala outside the Nantes stadium in 2019 (Image: Getty)
“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.”
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