Emiliano Sala: the Nantes Commercial Court rules out any fault by FC Nantes and orders Cardiff City FC
The Nantes Commercial Court handed down its judgment on 30 March 2026 in the dispute between Cardiff City Football Club and FC Nantes, represented by Jérôme Marsaudon, Louis-Marie Absil, and Marion Aubert of the law firm Reinhart Marville Torre. The Court dismissed any liability on the part of FC Nantes in the player’s death, rejected Cardiff City FC’s compensation claim amounting to €122.2 million, and ordered the club to pay a total sum of €480,000 to FC Nantes.
A court decision in favor of FC Nantes
This decision is part of a long-standing legal battle between the two clubs and follows previous rulings in favour of FC Nantes before FIFA and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Upholding the arguments advanced by FC Nantes, the Court held that the club bore no responsibility for the tragic air accident in which Emiliano Sala sadly lost his life in January 2019. Cardiff City FC was therefore not entitled to seek any damages from FC Nantes for the alleged loss of revenue linked to the player’s death.
As a result, Cardiff City FC was dismissed from all its claims, including its compensation request for €120.2 million and its alleged reputational damage claim of €2 million.
The Court, however, acknowledged that FC Nantes had suffered damage, particularly due to Cardiff City FC’s “extravagant claims,” and ordered Cardiff to pay FC Nantes a total amount of €480,000, comprising €300,000 for moral and reputational damage and €180,000 pursuant to Article 700 of the French Code of Civil Procedure, in addition to court costs. The decision is subject to immediate enforcement.
A case marked by a human tragedy
This case remains inseparable from a major human tragedy. FC Nantes’ counsel wishes to express its deepest respect for the memory of Emiliano Sala, for his loved ones, and for all his supporters in Nantes and Cardiff.
Counsel for FC Nantes:
Jérôme Marsaudon Partner, Louis-Marie Absil Partner, Marion Aubert Associate
With the support of Laurent Eymard from BRG, for matters relating to the economic analysis of the dispute.
Our commercial litigation team represents clients before all courts, as well as before administrative authorities and arbitral tribunals. Its solid experience in commercial disputes also enables it to rely on an extensive network of correspondents and experts.
published in the press
Les Echos, Football : sept ans après le décès d’Emiliano Sala, Cardiff débouté de ses demandes face au FC Nantes, Read the article
L’Equipe, Les avocats du FC Nantes « très heureux » du jugement prononcé contre Cardiff City dans l’affaire Emiliano Sala, Read the article
Ouest-France, Mort d’Emiliano Sala : débouté de sa demande de 120,2 millions, Cardiff City devra verser 300 000 € au FC Nantes, Read the article
BBC, Cardiff City damages claim over Emiliano Sala death dismissed, Read the article
The New York Times, Cardiff lose €120m damages claim against Nantes in Emiliano Sala case Read the article