On 4 November 2019, FIFA's Players' Status Committee released the full reasoning behind their decision to impose a transfer ban on Cardiff City unless they pay Nantes the first instalment for the transfer of Emiliano Sala, who died in a plane crash on his way to join the Welsh club.
The transfer ban would be effective for three consecutive registration periods if Cardiff fails to pay the 6 million euros (£5.2 million) within 45 days of receiving bank details from Nantes.
Cardiff City had signed Sala for £15 million in January, but the transfer was never completed due to Sala's death in the English Channel. The club argued that the circumstances surrounding Sala's death meant Nantes were liable for damages caused to them.
However, FIFA's ruling argued that the transfer had been officially completed before Sala's death and therefore Cardiff remained obliged to make agreed payments.
Cardiff City had previously stated they intend to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, and the club expressed disappointment at the decision, stating that the committee had reached its conclusion on a narrow aspect of the overall dispute.
