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Trust chair Keith Morgan

Following conversations with senior sources at Cardiff City FC, Trust chair Keith Morgan provides members with an update on the club’s legal claim against FC Nantes relating to the tragic death of Emiliano Sala.

Cardiff City lodged a significant legal claim in the Nantes courts immediately following a decision of the Swiss Federal Tribunal in Spring, 2023, that ruled a compensation claim was a separate matter from the earlier FIFA decision that Emiliano Sala was the club’s player.

The basis of the compensation claim is that, under French law, the actions of an agent appointed by Nantes are deemed to be those of FC Nantes, itself, and that those actions directly led to the tragic accident resulting in the death of our player.

The amount of the claim is both the full value of the transfer fee paid plus a compensation sum for the loss of Premier League status that in probability would not have occurred should Emiliano Sala have played for us and caused us to avoid relegation  (this has been assessed by professional independent third parties). The claim, in total, is a huge one which forensic accountants are valuing.

A procedural hearing was held in France in June at which Nantes were required to file their defence by the end of November- they did so on the last day.

A large element of their defence appears to be that they don’t recognise Willie McKay as their agent and instead dealt with a different company as agent (a “shell” company which lists its directors as Willie McKay’s son and wife and which at the time had no trading records filed at Companies House).

Reliable sources at Cardiff City have told me that the club has copious amounts of documents disproving Nantes defence.

The June hearing was reported in the French media at the time but appears to have been based on reports prepared by PR companies employed by Nantes.

The next stage in the legal action is that Cardiff City has until the end of January 2024, to respond to Nantes’ defence after which there will be a further procedural hearing to set court dates etc.

I understand that the eventual court hearing later in 2024 (if not settled out of court beforehand) will be before three judges who will be experienced business people rather than solicitors.

I hope that this brief update provides Trust members and the wider fan base with an accurate picture of the current situation in this matter.

Keith Morgan

Chair

On behalf of the Trust, Chris Martin, Stewards Logistics Officer at Cardiff City, today kindly handed over the food donations to Cardiff Foodbank.

The donations made in aid of the Cardiff Foodbank were collected today in time to help struggling families and individuals before Christmas.

Thanks to some late donations the number of items that went to the foodbank from the collection at the Millwall game was 1,006 or 409.1kg of food.

In addition, £418.01 was collected in cash along with the £100 cheque from the Trust.

Thanks again to all Bluebirds fans, club officials and the players for their generosity and support for the collection. Cardiff Foodbank has described the amount raised in cash and donations as a fantastic achievement. Couldn’t agree more.

Cardiff City players Romaine Sawyers and Andy Rinomhota brought donations from players. They are pictured with Trust members

Thank you! Thank you!

A fantastic total of 943 items of food was donated during our collection for Cardiff Foodbank before yesterday’s Millwall game.

This was a brilliant response by Bluebirds fans given we are in the middle of an awful cost-of-living crisis. This will ensure those struggling to make ends meet will receive help in time for Christmas.

We were also very appreciative of the cash donations given on the day – some fans had clearly been to the cashpoint before visiting us as the notes were new.

Phillip Nifield, Trust board member for Communications, said: “We’re eternally grateful for the brilliant support of fans, Cardiff City, its staff and players. The foodbank was thrilled by the donations both in terms of food and cash.”

The Trust also donated £100 to the foodbank.

Trust chair Keith Morgan (second right) presents a £100 cheque to Cardiff Foodbank

Mark Tugwell of Cardiff Foodbank (pictured left) with former Trust vice-chair David Craig

Our collection in aid of Cardiff Foodbank takes place a week today.

A food donation point will be set up from 12.30pm close to the Trust office, near Gate 5, before Cardiff City’s clash with Millwall on Saturday, December 9^th, 2023.

Here is a list of food items most urgently needed by the foodbank: Easy Cook Pasta and Rice, Tinned Potatoes, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Tomatoes, Sponge Puddings, Long-life UHT Milk, Fruit Juice Long-life (both one litre), Shampoo, Shower Gel, Savoury Snacks and Chocolates/Sweets. No perishable food, please.

Food collected will be delivered to the Cardiff Foodbank well in time for Christmas.

Cash donations to the foodbank can be made on the day. Fans can also donate online by clicking on the Red Donate button in the top right-hand corner of your screen on the foodbank website and please reference Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust or CCST if you make an online donation on https://cardiff.foodbank.org.uk/. 

Trust chair Keith Morgan reports on a meeting between supporter representatives and club chair, Mehmet Dalman and staff at Cardiff City Football Club.

Dear Member,

We were invited by the club to a meeting chaired by Mehmet Dalman at 12.30 on 11 November 2023. Also in attendance from the club were Ken Choo, Wayne Nash, Amy James, Mark Denham and Paul Corkrey. Representatives from the Supporters Trust, Supporters Club, Disabled Supporters Group and the Travel Group also attended.

The last such meeting, which I reported to you, took place as recently as 7 October and it is encouraging that the Chairman is prepared to engage with fan groups on such a frequent basis even if there is not necessarily anything of great significance to impart. These meetings are very informal and Mehmet encourages questions from all parties. He has previously stated that these meetings are all part of his commitment to improved communication and he is certainly delivering on this.

A question was raised from the floor about the prospects of signings in the January transfer window. Mehmet stated that the Club’s first priority was to remain compliant with Profitability and Sustainability. He stated that we are on budget to be compliant but there was a need to convert budget to reality by ensuring monies owed to the Club are paid. Subject to these provisos the Club are keen to improve the squad. The question was raised that, if a substantial offer was received for an existing player would the club accept it. The response from Mehmet was that everything is on the table but the Club would be extremely reluctant to lose a player who was key to maintaining the current on field improvement.

The subject of the Club receiving sponsorship from a Vaping company was raised. The Trust, the Supporters Club and members of the Travel Group expressed their misgivings over such an arrangement. Ken Choo responded that, after the current contractual situation ceases, the position will be reviewed.

Mehmet mentioned that a meeting had recently taken place with Nantes FC officials in France ahead of the Emiliano Sala transfer litigation. I will get a further update on the current situation from Mehmet Dalman and the Club’s lawyers as soon as possible. Mehmet has given me permission to speak directly to the Club’s lawyers so will advise you as soon as possible.

I was asked by Mehmet to provide those present at the meeting with the implications of the King’s Speech in relation to the Government White Paper on Football Governance and the specific impact on Cardiff City FC and its fans. I will prepare a summary of these issues and circulate to Trust members as well as other supporter groups. On this point, the Trust is already in advanced discussions with Wayne Nash on the formation of a Fans Advisory Board (FAB).

All in all, it was a very relaxed meeting which was very informative. I understand that, especially in relation to sensitive subjects such as the ongoing litigation, Mehmet cannot be as forthcoming as he might like but I feel the fans are being kept more in the loop in respect of Club affairs than has previously been the case.

Keith Morgan

Chair