The Championship club have co-operated with French Governments as the death of the Argentine Has Been investigated. Cardiff City has submitted several documents to French prosecutors about Emiliano Sala to assist with the decision on whether Nantes will face criminal proceedings for the death of the former player.
The Argentinian striker died when the plane carrying him to Wales crashed at sea last January as he was preparing to seal a move to Cardiff from the Ligue 1 club.
Sala’s body was found in waters near the Channel Islands over two weeks after the plane disappeared – while the remains of pilot David Ibbotson haven’t been found.
Cardiff and Nantes have been in dispute over payment of the $19m transfer fee they agreed on, as the Welsh club have argued they are not liable because he was not officially their player when the plane crashed.
Cardiff have called for an investigation to ascertain whether the French club should be held criminally responsible.
“Cardiff City Football Club has been clear throughout the previous 12 months a complete investigation of the facts leading up to the tragedy is necessary,” a club spokesperson said.
“Not only to fully understand what led to the downing of the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane but to answer the wider questions which have been highlighted in this case, specifically related to the use of illegal flights in the football industry and the role of intermediaries in player transfers.
“As a result of our investigation, we believe there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing that requires evaluation by the French authorities of those responsible for the arrangement of the transfer on behalf of FC Nantes and for arranging the doomed flight.
“We have therefore passed over info to the Parquet de Nantes to help their efforts. We remain committed to establishing the full facts and adhering to any final decision on our financial liability in the transfer.”
Nantes, who have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing in the death of Sala, wore a tribute jersey to their former participant during Sunday’s league game against Bordeaux.
All profits from the Argentina-inspired kit were donated to the two Argentinian clubs Sala played for in his youth.
“Since he dreamed of wearing the jersey of the Argentina national team, the players of Nantes will give up their traditional yellow and green jersey for a blue and white kit,” a statement from Nantes read.
“This jersey, where the entire sales profits will be allocated to the two Argentinian training clubs of Emiliano, is a method of paying homage to him.”
