Fifa president Infantino steps into Emiliano Sala transfer row as he orders Cardiff and Nantes to reach agreement
The French club lodged a complaint with Fifa after the Bluebirds failed to make a first £5.13million instalment of the £15m fee
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ordered Cardiff and Nantes to reach an agreement over the Emiliano Sala saga.
The Argentine striker, 28, died in a plane crash last month just days after signing for the Bluebirds.
The French club lodged a complaint with Fifa after Cardiff failed to make a first £5.13million instalment of the £15m fee.
Now Nantes want Fifa to force Cardiff to pay up, despite the Welsh club citing “anomalies” with the deal.
Fifa confirmed they had received a complaint.
And Infantino said: “Nantes turned to Fifa.
“It’s a dispute over a contract but there is a human dimension to this drama that makes us more than sad.
“I would like to see the clubs find an agreement. If not, Fifa will deal with it.”
Cardiff were due to make the first payment by February 5 and then had a later deadline of February 20 extended by a week.
But Nantes, who owe Bordeaux half of the fee through a sell-on clause, decided to force the issue.
Cardiff have insisted they will not pay until the investigation into the crash is completed.
The Bluebirds want answers to ten specific questions, including the role of agent Willie McKay and issues around Sala’s fatal flight.
An Aircraft Accident Investigations Board report questioned pilot David Ibbotson’s licence.
A Cardiff statement said: “We remain committed to ensuring fairness and accountability with respect to the agreement.
“But first and foremost the relevant authorities must be allowed to determine the facts surrounding this tragedy.”