Cardiff City lose compensation claim against Nantes over death of Emiliano Sala
The 28-year-old striker died on January 21 2019 alongside pilot David Ibbotson, 59, when the light aircraft they were travelling in from France crashed into the English Channel
Cardiff City FC’s claim for compensation against Nantes following the death of player Emiliano Sala has been thrown out by a French court.
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Cardiff City FC lodged the compensation claim against the French club after the football star died in a plane crash in 2019.
Announcing its decision on Monday, a tribunal ordered Cardiff to pay out the £400,000 to the French club.
The Welsh club had previously sought damages of more than £100 million from the French outfit in a negligence claim, covering the Argentinian striker’s £15 million transfer fee and losses of other potential earnings.
But the Tribunal de Commerce de Nantes ruled on Monday Nantes were not liable for negligence over Sala’s death.
Cardiff have been ordered to pay Nantes 300,000 euros in damages, and an additional 180,000 euros – coming to a total sum of 480,000 euros (£416,594), a lawyer for the Welsh club said.
The 28-year-old striker died on January 21 2019 alongside pilot David Ibbotson, 59, when the light aircraft they were travelling in from France crashed into the English Channel – two days after Cardiff had announced the signing of the Argentine forward from Nantes.
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The Welsh club had claimed Nantes was responsible because the flight had been organised by football agent William “Willie” McKay, who was enlisted by the French club.
A statement issued by Cardiff FC on Monday read: “We deeply regret that the court did not recognise FC Nantes’ liability in this tragedy.
“We initiated these proceedings so that the full truth of this case could come to light, in respect of Emiliano Sala’s memory.
“More than ever, there is an urgent need to strengthen safety and ethical standards in the management and protection of players, so that such a tragedy can never happen again.
“The world of football must take a hard look at itself.”
Speaking to reporters outside of court following the decision, Jerome Marsaudon, representing FC Nantes, said: “We are very pleased with the tribunal’s decision, which attests to what we’ve been maintaining for years.
“The tribunal said it loud and clear and ordered Cardiff to pay exemplary damages.
“FC Nantes are in no way responsible for the tragedy that occurred and we are pleased that the tribunal has heard us and confirmed this in clear terms which, we hope, will put an end to this matter so that everyone can move on.”
In 2021, businessman David Henderson was jailed for 18 months after he was convicted of endangering the safety of the aircraft, after a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
He had also pleaded guilty to another charge of trying to arrange a flight for a passenger without permission or authorisation.
The Press Association has approached FC Nantes for comment.