ANNOUNCEMENT: CITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO SALA AND IBBOTSON

Cardiff City announce plans for Emiliano Sala and David Ibbotson tribute on anniversary of plane crash
By Tom Coleman

The club have invited fans to pay their respects at Cardiff City Stadium on what will be the first anniversary of the plane crash


Cardiff City have invited fans to pay their respects to Emiliano Sala and David Ibottson next week.

Tuesday (January 21) marks the first anniversary of Sala's tragic death and, while there won't be any official vigil, the club are keen to give supporters the opportunity to lay tributes at the Fred Keenor statue outside Cardiff City Stadium throughout the day.

Fans flocked to the same spot after news broke that the plane carrying Sala had disappeared, and there are likely to be emotional scenes once again as people come together to pay tribute to the striker.

Sala had been travelling to the Welsh capital from France ahead of a January transfer before the Piper PA-46 Malibu light aircraft he was flying in crashed into the English Channel.

His body was found in the wreckage of the plane two weeks later, while Mr Ibbotson remains unaccounted for.


The club has also confirmed there will be a memorial service dedicated to both men at St David's Cathedral on Charles Street in Cardiff city centre during the same afternoon. A number of the club's staff are expected to attend.

The tragedy remains one of the darkest days in the history of Cardiff City, with former manager Neil Warnock recently opening up on the impact of Sala's death.

Warnock, who attended Sala's funeral out in Argentina, told Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast on talkSPORT: "It was probably the most difficult thing in my whole career.

“You never think anything like that can happen in football. We just got through it.

“My family were brilliant – Sharon [wife] and the kids were super.

“It took a lot out of the squad at the time, you could see the deflation.

“He was a lovely lad, even though we only met him briefly.

“It puts things in perspective when you go through something like that. Yes, football is important and you get stick from the fans, but at the end of the day, your family comes first."

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Cardiff were ordered to pay £5.3m of the striker's £15m transfer fee to Nantes by Fifa back in December, a decision they are appealing on the grounds that he was not officially their player at the time of his death.

A club spokesman said at the time: "Following Fifa’s update on their announcement regarding the transfer of Emiliano Sala, Cardiff City Football Club will be launching an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

[i]"Cardiff City FC is extremely disappointed at the decision of the Players Status Committee to award against the club. It would appear the committee has reached its conclusion on a narrow aspect of the overall dispute, without considering the full documentation presented by Cardiff City FC to Fifa.

"Nevertheless there remains clear evidence that the transfer agreement was never completed in accordance with multiple contractual requirements which were requested by Nantes, thereby rendering in null and void.

"We shall be appealing to CAS [Court of Arbitration for Sport] in order to seek a decision which considers all of the relevant contractual information and provides clarity on the full legal situation between our two clubs.

“This is a complex matter, which includes ongoing civil and criminal consideration both in the UK and abroad, which will likely have an impact on the validity of the transfer. It is therefore vital that a comprehensive judgement is reached following a full assessment and review of the facts."

The appeal is set to be heard in the spring.

A fitting gesture from the club and one I hope both Neil Warnock and FC Nantes officials are invited to attend (notwithstanding the Sal family, if they are able to travel)

One of the saddest days in both clubs history and we all know the effect it had on then City manager Neil Warnock at the time

Despite the on-going legal battle between the two clubs, they would be united in paying tribute to this young man whose life was taken at far too young an age and in such tragic circumstances

Let us pay tribute to both men and pray that one day David Ibbotson's wife and family get the closure they deserve as much as the Sala family deserved theirs

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how awkward

The club cant win either way in this now since the court cases and us saying he wasnt our player.

If they organise a tribute people will say we thought he wasnt your player why are you doing it

If they do nothing then people will say they are heartless and make the club look like they have just forgot it ever happened

Very awkward position for the club

I don't understand.

According to our club, Sala was never our player?

The club cant win either way in this now since the court cases and us saying he wasnt our player.

If they organise a tribute people will say we thought he wasnt your player why are you doing it

If they do nothing then people will say they are heartless and make the club look like they have just forgot it ever happened

Very awkward position for the club

It doesn’t really matter who’s player he was, Sala was travelling - with another human being - to join Cardiff City Football Club so the football and legal element pales into insignificance after such a tragic loss of lives. Well, at least that’s my outlook anyway.

I’d be disappointed if the club did nothing.

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

The club cant win either way in this now since the court cases and us saying he wasnt our player.

If they organise a tribute people will say we thought he wasnt your player why are you doing it

If they do nothing then people will say they are heartless and make the club look like they have just forgot it ever happened

Very awkward position for the club

It doesn’t really matter who’s player he was, Sala was travelling - with another human being - to join Cardiff City Football Club so the football and legal element pales into insignificance after such a tragic loss of lives. Well, at least that’s my outlook anyway.

I’d be disappointed if the club did nothing.

I suppose its a good way to look at it.. but I just find it awkward..

Don’t all be plebs an start the I thought he wasn’t our player bullshit.

If he was or wasn’t at the time shouldn’t matter to us fans. He died on a journey over to play for us show the guy some respect and stop trying to point score for different sides.

Idiots.

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

Well, we already know you are a negative anti-Cardiff City fraud, so the above doesn't really surprise me!

At the end of the day, the Courts will decide whether Emiliano Sala was a Cardiff City player or not; but in the meantime, two men died in the act of travelling from Nantes to Cardiff on business that was connected to both clubs

As for the family of Emiliano Sala (and maybe David Ibbotson) you cannot possibly know what they think or whether they would/could attend any memorial in respect of their beloved Emiliano

Having been involved in more Memorials and Remembrance events than you've had hot dinners, it is courtesy for the families/representatives of all deceased parties to be afforded a cordial invite to attend

To accept or otherwise is for them to decide and 100% their prerogative

Stop being, erm, BarryWelsh88 for just one minute and have some respect for those involved!

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

You won't be the only one thinking the same Barry. What are they playing at??

Do the right thing first and pay the money. He was on the way to Cardiff, everything was agreed. Just do the right thing.

I don't understand.

According to our club, Sala was never our player?

Know what you mean. Perhaps it’s showing respect to a player who was soon to be ours.

I don't understand.

According to our club, Sala was never our player?

Know what you mean. Perhaps it’s showing respect to a player who was soon to be ours.

Soon?

https://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/news/20 ... a-bluebird

Cardiff City Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Emiliano Sala from FC Nantes, for an undisclosed club record fee, subject to international clearance.

The 28-year old has signed a three-and-a-half year deal at Cardiff City Stadium, that will take us up to Summer 2022.

Sala, an Argentinian striker, began his professional career with French giants FC Girondins de Bordeaux, before moving to Les Canaris in 2015. He scored an impressive 12 league goals in 19 appearances for Nantes in Ligue 1 this season.

Speaking exclusively to cardiffcityfc.co.uk, Emiliano said: "I’m very happy to be here. It gives me great pleasure and I can’t wait to start training, meet my new teammates and get down to work.

"For me it feels special [to be the Club’s record signing]. I have come here wanting to work and to help my teammates and the Club. I can’t wait to get to work straight away and do everything I can."

CEO & Executive Director, Ken Choo, added: "It’s obviously been a long process to secure the services of Emiliano, but I’m very pleased that we’re now in a position whereby we can confirm his signature and officially announce him as a Cardiff City player.

"I’d like to thank those involved for making the signing happen, especially Tan Sri Vincent and the rest of the transfer committee. We see Emiliano as a significant acquisition and welcome him wholeheartedly to the Capital city of Wales. I’m sure all Cardiff City fans will join me in that and we can look forward to seeing our record signing in a Bluebirds shirt."

Do the right thing first and pay the money. He was on the way to Cardiff, everything was agreed. Just do the right thing.

Agree mate.

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

Well, we already know you are a negative anti-Cardiff City fraud, so the above doesn't really surprise me!

At the end of the day, the Courts will decide whether Emiliano Sala was a Cardiff City player or not; but in the meantime, two men died in the act of travelling from Nantes to Cardiff on business that was connected to both clubs

As for the family of Emiliano Sala (and maybe David Ibbotson) you cannot possibly know what they think or whether they would/could attend any memorial in respect of their beloved Emiliano

Having been involved in more Memorials and Remembrance events than you've had hot dinners, it is courtesy for the families/representatives of all deceased parties to be afforded a cordial invite to attend

To accept or otherwise is for them to decide and 100% their prerogative

Stop being, erm, BarryWelsh88 for just one minute and have some respect for those involved!

Do you live in a bubble? His family have been very clear on what they think about our club and the disrespect shown by us... want some links posted to take you outside of your bubble?

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Exactly.

It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong.

Our club have made sure it’s about EXACTLY that.

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Wholeheartedly agree.

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Exactly.

It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong.

im afraid it is mate , and its being made that way by those not willing for anyone to feel awkward about it ..
I felt very proud of last years tribute to a fellow bluebird , very proud only to be left dumbfounded when it emerged our club already had moves a foot to distance themselves from him...
the player we tried to sign...was the phrase used in the letter to 3 other premier league clubs .
if you can square that with yourself fair enough.. I cant, I don't want a point or to be right I just feel its all very awkward.

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Exactly.

It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong.

im afraid it is mate , and its being made that way by those not willing for anyone to feel awkward about it ..
I felt very proud of last years tribute to a fellow bluebird , very proud only to be left dumbfounded when it emerged our club already had moves a foot to distance themselves from him...
the player we tried to sign...was the phrase used in the letter to 3 other premier league clubs .
if you can square that with yourself fair enough.. I cant, I don't want a point or to be right I just feel its all very awkward.

No no this is a tribute to a young man who lost his life coming to play football for the club you support.

Can we not have an argument about rights and wrongs of this? as been said damned if do dammed if don't its happening let's just show a bit of respect to the two victims of this tragedy... not try score points over peoples views.

Exactly.

It’s not about who’s right and who’s wrong.

im afraid it is mate , and its being made that way by those not willing for anyone to feel awkward about it ..
I felt very proud of last years tribute to a fellow bluebird , very proud only to be left dumbfounded when it emerged our club already had moves a foot to distance themselves from him...
the player we tried to sign...was the phrase used in the letter to 3 other premier league clubs .
if you can square that with yourself fair enough.. I cant, I don't want a point or to be right I just feel its all very awkward.

No no this is a tribute to a young man who lost his life coming to play football for the club you support.

I can say yes yes too...your entitled to feel how you feel...but you can have all the points ok...

Not withstanding the outstanding financial matter, is it VTs and NWs intention to be present?

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

Well, we already know you are a negative anti-Cardiff City fraud, so the above doesn't really surprise me!

At the end of the day, the Courts will decide whether Emiliano Sala was a Cardiff City player or not; but in the meantime, two men died in the act of travelling from Nantes to Cardiff on business that was connected to both clubs

As for the family of Emiliano Sala (and maybe David Ibbotson) you cannot possibly know what they think or whether they would/could attend any memorial in respect of their beloved Emiliano

Having been involved in more Memorials and Remembrance events than you've had hot dinners, it is courtesy for the families/representatives of all deceased parties to be afforded a cordial invite to attend

To accept or otherwise is for them to decide and 100% their prerogative

Stop being, erm, BarryWelsh88 for just one minute and have some respect for those involved!

Do you live in a bubble? His family have been very clear on what they think about our club and the disrespect shown by us... want some links posted to take you outside of your bubble?

Wind your neck up in ffs.

Their son died in a plane crash that had f**k all to do with Cardiff City Football Club.

Emiliano Sala was a grown man, an adult, and a very wealthy man who got on that plane of his own free will.

Cardiff City are looking after their own business interests which any organisation would and given then fact they could be paying millions of pounds out for nothing I personally think they have every right to do.

As a Cardiff City Fan, A man, and a human being, whilst I have empathy for the Sala family I have no idea why they would have any ill feeling towards us tbh

Is the club taking the pi££???

And Sven talking about inviting the family over? They cannot stand Cardiff.

Well, we already know you are a negative anti-Cardiff City fraud, so the above doesn't really surprise me!

At the end of the day, the Courts will decide whether Emiliano Sala was a Cardiff City player or not; but in the meantime, two men died in the act of travelling from Nantes to Cardiff on business that was connected to both clubs

As for the family of Emiliano Sala (and maybe David Ibbotson) you cannot possibly know what they think or whether they would/could attend any memorial in respect of their beloved Emiliano

Having been involved in more Memorials and Remembrance events than you've had hot dinners, it is courtesy for the families/representatives of all deceased parties to be afforded a cordial invite to attend

To accept or otherwise is for them to decide and 100% their prerogative

Stop being, erm, BarryWelsh88 for just one minute and have some respect for those involved!

Do you live in a bubble? His family have been very clear on what they think about our club and the disrespect shown by us... want some links posted to take you outside of your bubble?

Wind your neck up in ffs.

Their son died in a plane crash that had f**k all to do with Cardiff City Football Club.

Emiliano Sala was a grown man, an adult, and a very wealthy man who got on that plane of his own free will.

Cardiff City are looking after their own business interests which any organisation would and given then fact they could be paying millions of pounds out for nothing I personally think they have every right to do.

As a Cardiff City Fan, A man, and a human being, whilst I have empathy for the Sala family I have no idea why they would have any ill feeling towards us tbh

You are so right!

Sala's mum stated that she wanted answers for her son's death, saying (quote) "Yes, I’m angry, that’s for sure. They did not take care of him. A player with a transfer cost that high... They did not take care of him in the way that he deserved."

“We asked several questions and now we want answers about the accident, about the pilot, about the aircraft. A lot of things still do not seem clear to us"

Mercedes Taffarel also claimed the Welsh club had shown “disrespect towards my family” by withholding the striker’s £15 million transfer fee from Nantes.

That was in March 2019

The truth is that things have factually moved on from then (including the key parts allegedly played by Secret Agent McKay, Henderson, Ibbotson and even Sala himself in his declining of a commercial fight) and somewhat ironically, the anger shown by family at that point might well have been borne out of a certain financial interest in amongst the clear and obvious grieving for their loved one, too?

City are entitled to protect their own interests in Law, just as FC Nantes have done; but that is not to say that either club should forget the fact that two human beings lives were so tragically lost during the transaction (competed or not) or that they shouldn't hold a memorial service to them either

The two situations (human and legal) can and should be separated and those who wish to can go pay their respects for the loss of two people can do so, if they so choose

Nante are also commemorating the anniversary by wearing special shirts against Bordeaux this weekend.