Cardiff City take Emiliano Sala dispute to court six years after tragedy

Cardiff City released an official statement confirming that they have filed a lawsuit against Nantes, arguing that the French club must take responsibility for Emiliano Sala’s death in 2019. According to Cardiff, “It is a tragedy that could and should have been avoided, had the people involved in the transfer on FC Nantes’ side not relied on the services of a banned agent, who went on to organise illegal flights to get the deal done.”

After the accident, FIFA ruled that Cardiff must pay Nantes the transfer fee, but the Welsh club insisted they were not responsible, claiming there were serious errors in the organisation of the flight. The trial is expected to clearly determine each party’s responsibility and finally close a dispute that has lasted for more than half a decade.

Cardiff argue that Nantes must be held accountable, asserting that the flight was organised by the agent employed by the French club. They stated that the trial could be a key step toward “uncovering the truth and establishing more accountability in football.”

As a result, Cardiff City are now seeking £100 million ($133.4 million) from Nantes, covering the £15 million transfer fee and potential earnings had the transfer gone ahead. The hearing was originally scheduled for September, but Nantes requested a postponement until December. Today marks the opening day of the trial.

Emiliano Sala was an Argentinian striker whose career was closely tied to French football. He joined Bordeaux’s youth academy in 2010 and began his professional journey at the club in 2012. Seven years later, Sala agreed to join Cardiff City - but tragically, the plane carrying him to Wales crashed into the English Channel, resulting in his death.

Today, Cardiff City and Nantes play in different divisions. Nantes have picked up only 11 points this season and sit 17th in Ligue 1. Meanwhile, Cardiff City - once a Premier League club - are currently top of League One, the third tier of English football.