The court case between Cardiff City and FC Nantes over the death of Emiliano Sala has been adjourned until December. Cardiff City seeks over £100 million in damages after Sala’s death in 2019. The club claims financial losses and reputational damage due to the failed transfer and relegation from the Premier League.
The legal battle between Cardiff City and FC Nantes following the tragic death of Emiliano Sala has taken another turn, with the court case initially scheduled for September 22nd now adjourned until December 8th. This adjournment marks a further delay in the pursuit of justice and financial resolution for Cardiff City, who claim significant losses stemming from the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Sala's transfer.
Cardiff City initiated legal proceedings in a French court against Nantes in April 2025, seeking damages exceeding £100 million. The claim arises from a dispute over the circumstances surrounding the death of striker Emiliano Sala, who tragically died in a plane crash in January 2019 while en route from Nantes to Cardiff to finalize his £15 million transfer. The lawsuit aims to address what Cardiff perceives as financial losses and reputational damage incurred due to the failed transfer.
Emiliano Sala, a promising 28-year-old Argentinian striker, was on the cusp of joining Cardiff City when the single-engine private plane carrying him and pilot David Ibbotson crashed in the English Channel. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the football world, leaving both clubs and fans in mourning. The subsequent investigation into the crash raised questions about the flight's safety and the arrangements made for Sala's travel.
Cardiff City has expressed its disappointment with the adjournment, stating that FC Nantes requested the delay, claiming they were not adequately prepared to proceed with the case despite having ample time since the hearing date was initially set in April 2025. Cardiff City, in a statement, reiterated its confidence in the French legal system and affirmed its readiness to present its case in court on December 8th.
The legal action against Nantes represents a separate avenue for Cardiff City to seek redress after the Swiss Federal Tribunal ruled that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) lacked the authority to adjudicate Cardiff's claim for damages. This ruling necessitated Cardiff to pursue its claim through the French court system directly.
Cardiff City's claim of over £100 million is based on what the club describes as an in-depth analysis conducted by a legal expert, estimating the financial and reputational damage suffered as a result of the failed transfer and the subsequent relegation from the Premier League in the 2018-2019 season. The club believes that Sala's presence could have potentially altered their fate that season.
The circumstances surrounding Sala's transfer and subsequent death have been a source of contention between Cardiff City and Nantes for several years. Initially, Cardiff City refused to pay Nantes the first installment of the transfer fee, leading to a transfer embargo imposed by FIFA. The club eventually paid the sum, approximately £7 million, in January 2023 after their appeal to CAS was unsuccessful.
Adding to Cardiff City's woes, the club has experienced a decline in their on-field performance since the tragic events of 2019. Following their relegation from the Premier League, they have since been relegated from the Championship and now find themselves competing in League One. The club seeks to recoup losses and stabilize their financial position to rebuild and return to higher divisions.
The upcoming court case in December represents a crucial juncture in this long-standing dispute. Both Cardiff City and FC Nantes will present their arguments before the court, and the outcome could have significant financial implications for both clubs. The football world will be watching closely as the case unfolds, seeking closure and a resolution to this tragic chapter in the sport's history.
The featured image shows Emiliano Sala in action for Nantes, a poignant reminder of his talent and potential that was tragically cut short. The image captures Sala's dedication and skill on the pitch, underscoring the profound loss felt by the football community.
As the legal proceedings continue, the hope is that a fair and just resolution will be reached, bringing closure to all parties involved and honoring the memory of Emiliano Sala.