Dorset Police have confirmed that the body found in the wreckage of a plane in the English Channel is that of professional footballer Emiliano Sala. The aircraft was discovered on Sunday after disappearing on January 21 during a flight from Nantes to Cardiff.
Investigators said underwater robots struggled with strong tides in the Channel while searching for the wreck. Police have informed the families of Sala and the missing pilot, David Ibbotson, and will continue to support them. The coroner will now look into the cause of Sala’s death.
Sala had recently signed with Cardiff City for a record £15 million and was expected to begin training last month. Meanwhile, Nantes has reportedly asked Cardiff to pay the first installment of the transfer fee and threatened legal action if it is not paid within 10 days.
Cardiff is said to be shocked by the timing of the request and prefers to wait until the investigation into the crash is complete.
