French Court Dismisses Cardiff City's £104m Claim Over Emiliano Sala Death
Legal defeat for Bluebirds in Nantes
The Nantes court has thrown out Cardiff City's claim for £104 million in compensation related to the death of Emiliano Sala. The Bluebirds had argued that Sala's goals could have prevented their relegation from the Premier League.
Reaction from FC Nantes’ legal team
Attorneys Jerome Marsaudon and Louis Marie Absil issued a joint statement expressing satisfaction with the verdict.
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.
Cardiff City express 'great bitterness'
Representatives for the Welsh side, accompanied by Sala’s mother Mercedes Taffarel, spoke of disappointment. Celine Jones of Capital Law said the verdict failed to uphold standards of integrity.
She stated: "We deeply regret that the court didn't recognise FC Nantes' liability in this tragedy."
Potential for future appeals
Cardiff City now has a one‑month window to lodge a formal appeal. If pursued, the case would go to the Court of Appeal of Rennes and could take up to another two years to resolve.
- Claim amount: £104 million (€120m)
- Legal fees ordered: approximately £400,000
- Appeal deadline: one month from verdict
- Possible appeal court: Court of Appeal of Rennes
