Sala and pilot David Ibbotson were killed when his plane crashed on the way to Cardiff for a £15M transfer in January 2019 in what was one of the biggest tragedies in world football.
Cardiff will present its case for more than £100M in damages against FC Nantes at a French commercial court this afternoon in what has been a legal battle that has lasted several years.
The Welsh side released a statement this week ahead of the hearing in what is one of the biggest legal cases in football this year.
“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.”
Cardiff contends that Nantes should be held responsible for financial losses because they allegedly relied on a banned agent, Willie McKay, to facilitate the transfer.
A final verdict is not expected until the spring of 2026 as the case gets underway today by as the judge starts by delivering an initial summary of the case which could set the precedent for future transfers.