French court rejects Cardiff City's claim over Emiliano Sala's death

A commercial court in Nantes has dismissed Cardiff City's 122 million euro compensation claim against the French football club Nantes regarding the 2019 death of Argentine striker Emiliano Sala. Sala and pilot David Ibbotson died on January 21, 2019, when their aircraft crashed into the English Channel while flying from France to Wales. Cardiff had argued that the player's death caused significant financial losses, including their subsequent relegation from the Premier League. The court ruled that Nantes holds no liability for the accident and rejected the club's claims in full. Additionally, Cardiff was ordered to pay 300,000 euros to Nantes for moral damages, with some reports noting additional legal costs. Cardiff's legal representative expressed disappointment with the ruling, citing principles of integrity and safety. The Welsh club now has one month to decide whether to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeal in Rennes. Nantes remains currently in the relegation zone of Ligue 1.