French court has dismissed 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 en route to join Cardiff City from FC Nantes for a £15m transfer fee.
Cardiff City had sought over €120m (£104m), citing loss of income and other damages, arguing that Sala could have helped the club maintain their Premier League status.
Report stated earlier on Monday that the court in Nantes rejected the claim and ordered Cardiff City to pay approximately £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 confirmed whether it will challenge the decision. Capital Law, representing the club, stated it would take time to review the ruling.
Sala’s mother, Mercedes Taffarel, attended the court hearing alongside Cardiff City representatives.
This ruling represents a major setback for Cardiff, effectively ending their effort to recover substantial financial losses linked to the incident. The case has become one of football’s most complex legal disputes, raising issues around player transfers, agent involvement, and safety regulations in the sport.
