Cardiff took over the Argentine striker from the French club in early 2019. Two days after signing his contract, 28-year-old Sala died in a plane crash on his way to Wales. The clubs tried to find a solution for the financial settlement in consultation, but were unable to do so. Nantes then moved to FIFA.
The initial transfer amount was 17 million euros. FIFA already ruled in September 2019 that Cardiff Nantes owed 6 million euros. A few days later, Cardiff appealed that ruling to the CAS. In vain, as it turns out.