Cardiff City damages claim over Emiliano Sala death dismissed

A French court has dismissed Cardiff City’s claim for over £100 million in compensation relating to the tragic death of footballer Emiliano Sala. The Argentine striker had been set to join Cardiff City, who were in the Premier League at the time, from FC Nantes in a transfer deal worth £15 million. Cardiff City pursued damages worth more than €120 million (£104 million), arguing that Sala’s presence could have helped keep the club in the top flight and generate significant income.

The ruling, delivered by a Nantes court, not only rejected Cardiff City’s financial claims but also ordered the club to cover approximately £400,000 in legal costs and damages for FC Nantes. This payment, which includes moral damages, must be made immediately and is enforceable even if Cardiff opts to appeal the decision. The club’s legal representatives at Capital Law stated they would take some time to review the verdict before deciding on any further steps.

Celine Jones from Capital Law expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying, “We deeply regret that the court didn’t recognise FC Nantes’ liability in this tragedy.” She added, “We initiated these proceedings so that the full truth of this case would come to light in respect of Emiliano Sala’s memory,” and criticized the ruling for lacking transparency and justice. Jones acknowledged the difficulty the decision poses for Sala’s family and assured Cardiff fans that the club sought justice to the best of its ability.

Sala’s mother, Mercedes Taffarel, was present at the court to hear the judgment. Representatives for FC Nantes, including attorneys Jérome Marsaudon and Louis Marie Absil, welcomed the court’s verdict, stating, “FC Nantes is in no way responsible for the tragedy that occurred, and we are pleased that the court has heard our case and confirmed this in very clear terms.”

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