Shocking Revelation: Late Cardiff Striker Emiliano Sala Pilot Was Not Qualified

31st March 2019

The player died when the Piper Malibu aircraft they were travelling in came down in the English Channel on January 21, two days after the club had signed the Argentinian forward from French club Nantes

A detailed view as the Monaco players warm up in shirts paying tribute to Emiliano Sala during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and FC Nantes at Stade Louis II on February 16, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco.PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
A detailed view as the Monaco players warm up in shirts paying tribute to Emiliano Sala during the Ligue 1 match between AS Monaco and FC Nantes at Stade Louis II on February 16, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco.PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
SUMMARY
  • The Premier League club said they remain "deeply concerned" that the pilot David Ibbotson and those who arranged the flight "seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala's life in such danger"
  • Cardiff said in a statement: "Cardiff City is shocked to hear the pilot, David Ibbotson, may not have been permitted to fly at night
  • The BBC on Saturday reported Ibbotson was thought to have been colour-blind and that his licence restricted him to flying in daytime hours only

LONDON, United Kingdom- Cardiff claim they are shocked by a report that the pilot in the plane crash that killed Emiliano Sala was not qualified to fly at night.

The Premier League club said they remain "deeply concerned" that the pilot David Ibbotson and those who arranged the flight "seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala's life in such danger".

Sala died when the Piper Malibu aircraft they were travelling in came down in the English Channel on January 21, two days after Cardiff had signed the Argentinian striker from French club Nantes.

MUST READ: Perez, Stroll Revved Up To Score, Vettel Blazes The Trail In Bahrain

The BBC on Saturday reported Ibbotson was thought to have been colour-blind and that his licence restricted him to flying in daytime hours only.

Cardiff said in a statement: "Cardiff City is shocked to hear the pilot, David Ibbotson, may not have been permitted to fly at night.

"The club remains deeply concerned that the pilot, and those who arranged the flight, seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala's life in such danger.

MUST READ: Online Backlash Wins Gor Right To Play Berkane At Kasarani But Was It Enough?

"We believe those who are responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions.

"We reiterate our support for the Air Charter Association's call for more awareness of and better enforcement against illegal flights."