Monday 28 January 2019 06:33, UK
Bordeaux have denied claims they have demanded a fee for missing footballer Emiliano Sala after his transfer to Cardiff.
A report from Nantes-based publication Presse Ocean said Sala's former club Bordeaux were set to receive 50 per cent of the fee Cardiff paid Nantes for the striker and that they had already requested it.
"FC Girondins de Bordeaux formally denies the information published in the Presse Océan newspaper that the club claimed its 'due' on the occasion of the transfer of Emiliano Sala," a club statement read. "In today's sad circumstances, Girondins de Bordeaux express their support for Emiliano Sala's family and friends."
Sala completed his move to Cardiff last Saturday for a club-record fee.
On Monday, Sala was on an aircraft which disappeared over the English Channel flying from Nantes to Cardiff.
The official search and rescue mission for Sala was called off on Thursday afternoon.
Relatives and friends of the Argentine striker arrived in Guernsey on Sunday, where they are said to be seeking answers to questions they have on the incident.
Two fishing boats renewed the hunt for the footballer and pilot on Saturday following a crowdfunding appeal.
David Mearns, marine scientist and family spokesman, said on Sunday: "The family still have some hope, they're looking at this as a missing person, a missing plane, and until they are satisfied, that's the mode that we're in."
The Cardiff City striker's family also thanked donors for their "exceptional generosity" as the GoFundMe page set up to fund the private search for Sala and pilot Dave Ibbotson surpassed the €300,000 target.
