Statement made on Friday by CCFC Trust.
Trust Chair Keith Morgan attended an online meeting today with the Cardiff City FC lawyer dealing with the case. The meeting was also attended by various members of the media, both local and national.
This is Keith's report on that briefing.
The court hearing will take place in the Nantes Commercial Court at 5pm local time on Monday, December 8th with an estimated hearing time of 2 to 3 hours.
The hearing is open to the public so likely to be attended and reported on by the media.
A French judge will give an initial summary of the matter based on all the documents submitted by both sides which he has fully reviewed. Then there will be the chance for lawyers on both to present their verbal case as to why he should rule in their favour.
He has to consider two assertions. Firstly, liability. Is FC Nantes liable for the financial loss to Cardiff City FC caused by the actions of their agent Willie McKay and, secondly, what quantum of loss are they liable for the Cardiff City FC claim(It is for €120.2m)?
The judge is unlikely to finally give his formal verdict until early Spring 2026.
This has been followed on Sunday with a statement from Cardiff City FC
Tomorrow, Nantes’ commercial court will finally hear the substance of Cardiff City Football Club’s case against FC Nantes. We want FC Nantes to be held accountable for the faults committed by Willie McKay, FC Nantes’ true agent.
This tragedy, which began nearly seven years ago, cost Emiliano Sala his life. It is a tragedy that could and should have been avoided, had the people involved in the transfer on FC Nantes’ side not relied on the services of a banned agent, who went on to organise illegal flights to get the deal done.
On the eve of the hearing, however, there is hope. The hearing marks another step towards uncovering the truth and establishing more accountability in football.
This case isn’t about harming football: it’s about protecting its integrity. This is about ensuring higher standards across our sport, especially surrounding transfers.
Because Emiliano Sala deserved better. Because football deserves better.
