Nantes take case to FIFA over Sala payment

Nantes have made a claim to FIFA against Cardiff City, in relation to the transfer of Emiliano Sala.

The Argentinean forward became Cardiff’s record signing on January 19 but he died when the private plane carrying him to Cardiff crashed into the English Channel two days later.

Nantes wrote to Cardiff earlier this month asking that the first of three instalments be paid but the Premier League club said they wanted to wait until investigation of the crash was complete – although they have stated they will be ‘honourable’ over the fee if they are contractually obliged to pay.

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Last week Cardiff and Nantes agreed to extend the deadline on the first instalment of the fee until February 27.

That deadline has now been reached and Nantes have asked FIFA to get involved.

A FIFA spokesperson told Sky Sports on Wednesday: “We can confirm that we have received yesterday evening a claim from FC Nantes against Cardiff City in connection with the transfer of Emiliano Sala.

“We are looking into the matter and consequently we have no further comments at this stage.”

Cardiff manager Neil Warnock has backed their handling of the sensitive issue.

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He said last week: “I have known (chairman) Mehmet Dalman since I have been here – and I am quite sure the club will deal with it in the right way.

“They have asked for an extension and I think Nantes have agreed to that. Certain things were done, probably in reflection that shouldn’t have been done, that stirred everybody up.

“I have got every confidence in Mehmet, that it will come to a conclusion in the near future.”