Emiliano Sala: Cardiff release passionate statement on eve of landmark £105m hearing

A legal fight involving Cardiff City and French club Nantes has rumbled on for nearly seven years following Emiliano Sala’s tragic death which occurred in January 2019

Cardiff City have released a powerful statement on the eve of a landmark court hearing relating to the tragic death of Emiliano Sala in January 2019. The club are seeking £105million in damages from French side Nantes, with 28-year-old Sala having died after the plane taking him to Wales crashed into the Channel.

The Argentine striker, who Cardiff had agreed to sign from Nantes for £15m, was killed alongside pilot David Ibbotson. Willie McKay and his son, Mark, arranged the unlicensed private flight to Cardiff.

A legal case between the two clubs has rumbled on for nearly seven years and saw David Henderson sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in organising the flight. At 4pm UK time on Monday, proceedings will begin at the Nantes Commercial Court.

The French judge will consider whether Nantes are liable for Cardiff’s financial losses and if so, how much damages should be awarded. In a strongly-worded statement published on their website, the League One leaders said: “Tomorrow, Nantes’ commercial court will finally hear the substance of Cardiff City Football Club’s case against FC Nantes.

“We want FC Nantes to be held accountable for the faults committed by Willie McKay, FC Nantes’ true agent. This tragedy, which began nearly seven years ago, cost Emiliano Sala his life.

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“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. On the eve of the hearing, however, there is hope.

“The hearing marks another step towards uncovering the truth and establishing more accountability in football. This case isn’t about harming football: it’s about protecting its integrity.

“This is about ensuring higher standards across our sport, especially surrounding transfers. Because Emiliano Sala deserved better. Because football deserves better.”

At Monday’s hearing, the judge will begin by delivering an initial summary of the case after reviewing all documents submitted by both clubs. Legal teams from each party will then present their arguments.

A final verdict isn’t expected until spring 2026. Cardiff were in the Premier League and managed by Neil Warnock at the time of Sala’s death.

Sala’s body was found in the plane’s wreckage after it crashed near Guernsey on January 21, 2019. No trace of Ibbotson’s body was ever found.

Later that season, Cardiff were relegated to the Championship. The Bluebirds continued in the second tier of English football before going down to League One this May. They’re currently top by one point with a game in hand.

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