Emiliano Sala's transfer has officially started a tug of war between Nantes and Cardiff, with FIFA being the referee in this legal battle.
Nantes had agreed to wait until today for Cardiff to come up with the first payment for the ill-fated striker, but the Bluebirds have not lived up to their word. Today, Nantes took the matter to FIFA, where a decision should be reached soon.
Cardiff was supposed to pay Nantes a bit over $6.8M for Sala's transfer, even if the footballer was never able to wear the Welsh side's jersey. This was the first of three payments, which made Sala the most expensive transfer in Cardiff's history.
According to the Mirror, a spokesman for FIFA admitted that the Nantes' complaint has been received by football's governing body, and since they are investigating this issue, no further comments will be made.
Cardiff had agreed to pay for Sala's unfortunate transfer once all ongoing investigations on the player's death came to an end. Since there are key issues to be solved, Cardiff has not agreed to pay the first fee.
Nantes is interested in collecting this payment due to a clause in Sala's contract, which forces them to pay a transfer fee to Bordeaux, Sala's former club. That fee is allegedly around the $8M mark.
Legal experts explain that if the plane was not insured and the pilot did not have the proper license to make the trip, then Cardiff City and agent Willie McKay could be held accountable of Sala's fate. Needless to say, this matter does not seem to be nearing its conclusion anytime soon, as the footballer's family and friends try to find closure.
