Cardiff could be handed a transfer ban by FIFA over their failure to pay the first instalment of the £15million fee owed to Nantes for Emiliano Sala.
Sala, the striker, joined Cardiff on January 19 for a club-record fee, but went missing on a flight over the English Channel two days later.
Last night, a body recovered from the wreckage of the Piper Malibu was identified as Sala, though David Ibbotson, the pilot, remains missing.
As revealed by Jim White on Thursday, Nantes emailed Cardiff last Thursday requesting the first instalment of the £15million transfer fee, with a follow up letter on Tuesday demanding £5million within 10 days.
The French club have threatened legal action over Cardiff withholding the payment, having fulfilled all the necessary requirements outlined by FIFA regulations to open disciplinary proceedings.
Cardiff are believed to be willing to meet their financial obligations and pay within the ordered time frame, though the club’s focus is on supporting Sala’s family as investigators establish the details of his disappearance and death.
The report adds that Cardiff obtained insurance for Sala upon completion of his transfer to the Premier League side. It is believed the value will cover the £15million transfer fee, but not all of his salary over the three-and-a-half year contract signed last month.
Cardiff released a statement offering their condolences to the families of both the striker and the pilot following Sala’s identification.
“We offer our most heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the family of Emiliano,” the club said.
“He and David will forever remain in our thoughts.”