Investigators recovered a body from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/crash-investigators-planning-operation-on-emiliano-salas-plane-195419">wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala</a> in the Channel and transported it to Britain on Thursday for identification.

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also said that bad weather meant they were not able to recover the plane and it was therefore closing down the operation.

The light aircraft was carrying the 28-year-old footballer to his new Premier League team Cardiff City when it disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21, along with 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson.

Sala's disappearance prompted outpourings of grief across the footballing world, including at his former club Nantes in France where the plane was flying from.

After search operations were suspended, a shipwreck hunter hired by Sala's family with funds donated by football stars such as Lionel Messi found the wreckage on Sunday.

The AAIB, who then took over the operation, revealed on Monday that an unidentified body had been found at the site.

"In challenging conditions, the AAIB and its specialist contractors successfully recovered the body previously seen amidst the wreckage," the AAIB said Wednesday.

"The operation was carried out in as dignified a way as possible and the families were kept informed of progress."

But it added: "The weather forecast is poor for the foreseeable future and so the difficult decision was taken to bring the overall operation to a close".

It said that extensive video footage captured by a remotely operated vehicle is expected to "provide valuable evidence for our safety investigation," adding that it intends to publish an interim report on the accident later this month.&nbsp;

The recovered body was taken to the Isle of Portland in southern England on board the Geo Ocean III offshore supply ship and will be now be passed to the coroner in the county of Dorset for identification.&nbsp;

Private search

Sala was flying to join up with Cardiff City in what was the most expensive signing in the Welsh club's history.

Nantes have consulted lawyers to explore legal options to ensure Cardiff pay the transfer fee for Sala, a source close to the French club revealed on Wednesday.

According to the source, the first instalment of the 17-million-euro ($19.3 million) deal for the Argentine striker has yet to be paid, despite the transfer being finalised before the accident.

Nantes would also consider taking the case to FIFA, the source added. The club has not yet responded to a request for comment by AFP.

According to BBC Wales, Nantes have given Cardiff a 10-day ultimatum over the first payment of between five and six million euros.

A source at Cardiff told British media that the Welsh club will honour the contract but only once they have clarified "all the facts". Cardiff are said to be "surprised" with the timing of the demand so soon after the tragedy.

The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Ibbotson the only other person aboard.

After the official rescue team gave up their search, saying there was little chance of finding anyone alive, Sala's family raised more than 370,000 euros ($422,000) in an online campaign to pay for a private hunt.

"Had that not happened, I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," shipwreck hunter David Mearns, whose private company found the plane, told AFP.

The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane was broken, Mearns added.

Earlier this week Sala's father, Horacio Sala, acknowledged that there was no prospect of finding his son alive.

"There's no longer any hope," he told Fox Sports.

"We hope the two bodies are inside (the plane). It's over, the only thing I hope now is that they find them."

Investigators recovered a body from the wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala in the Channel and transported it to Britain on Thursday for identification.

Investigators recovered a body from the wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala in the Channel and transported it to Britain on Thursday for identification. Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also said that bad weather meant they were not able to recover the plane and it was therefore closing down the operation. The light aircraft was carrying the 28-year-old footballer to his new Premier League team Cardiff City when it disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21, along with 59-year-old pilot David Ibbotson. Sala's disappearance prompted outpourings of grief across the footballing world, including at his former club Nantes in France where the plane was flying from. After search operations were suspended, a shipwreck hunter hired by Sala's family with funds donated by football stars such as Lionel Messi found the wreckage on Sunday. The AAIB, who then took over the operation, revealed on Monday that an unidentified body had been found at the site. "In challenging conditions, the AAIB and its specialist contractors successfully recovered the body previously seen amidst the wreckage," the AAIB said Wednesday. "The operation was carried out in as dignified a way as possible and the families were kept informed of progress." But it added: "The weather forecast is poor for the foreseeable future and so the difficult decision was taken to bring the overall operation to a close". It said that extensive video footage captured by a remotely operated vehicle is expected to "provide valuable evidence for our safety investigation," adding that it intends to publish an interim report on the accident later this month. The recovered body was taken to the Isle of Portland in southern England on board the Geo Ocean III offshore supply ship and will be now be passed to the coroner in the county of Dorset for identification. Private search Sala was flying to join up with Cardiff City in what was the most expensive signing in the Welsh club's history. Nantes have consulted lawyers to explore legal options to ensure Cardiff pay the transfer fee for Sala, a source close to the French club revealed on Wednesday. According to the source, the first instalment of the 17-million-euro ($19.3 million) deal for the Argentine striker has yet to be paid, despite the transfer being finalised before the accident. Nantes would also consider taking the case to FIFA, the source added. The club has not yet responded to a request for comment by AFP. According to BBC Wales, Nantes have given Cardiff a 10-day ultimatum over the first payment of between five and six million euros. A source at Cardiff told British media that the Welsh club will honour the contract but only once they have clarified "all the facts". Cardiff are said to be "surprised" with the timing of the demand so soon after the tragedy. The plane, a Piper PA-46 Malibu, vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Ibbotson the only other person aboard. After the official rescue team gave up their search, saying there was little chance of finding anyone alive, Sala's family raised more than 370,000 euros ($422,000) in an online campaign to pay for a private hunt. "Had that not happened, I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," shipwreck hunter David Mearns, whose private company found the plane, told AFP. The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane was broken, Mearns added. Earlier this week Sala's father, Horacio Sala, acknowledged that there was no prospect of finding his son alive. "There's no longer any hope," he told Fox Sports. "We hope the two bodies are inside (the plane). It's over, the only thing I hope now is that they find them."

Body from wreck of Emiliano Sala plane taken to Britain

British crash investigators told AFP on Tuesday they were planning "an underwater operation" in the next couple of days on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala</a> in the Channel.

"There is still an ongoing operation gathering evidence," said a spokesman for the Air Accident Investigations Branch.

Asked whether an attempt would be made to recover the aircraft and the unidentified body that a remotely operated vehicle found on board, he said only: "An underwater operation will be conducted over the next couple of days".

The shipwreck hunter who found the remains of the plane on Sunday urged the authorities to urgently recover the body.

"Time is of the essence when you're talking about a body, so really it's imperative that they proceed with the recovery of the plane and the body," David Mearns said.

Mearns was hired by Sala's family to find the light aircraft after it disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21, with the 28-year-old footballer and pilot David Ibbotson on board.

He found the wreckage on Sunday, before the AAIB took over the operation. They revealed on Monday that a body had been found at the site.

"Finding it is just the starting point. The AAIB has got to investigate it... The best outcome for the families would be to find the plane and recover both bodies," Mearns said.

"As tragic as the loss is, it's made much, much worse if the body is never recovered or they never get an answer to what happened."

He is back at his home in England, but confirmed that AAIB divers are currently on the site, trying to establish what to do next.

"You have to see whether you can lift the plane without disturbing the body and also making sure that you're picking it all up," he said.

The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane was broken, Mearns added.

"It's in one area (on the seabed), it's all one mass, but some bits may not be connected. So what you don't want to do is to disturb the body in a way that you lose it," he said.

- 'A matter of will' -

Sala's family have raised more than 370,000 euros ($422,000) in an online campaign to pay for the private search, with donations from 4,800 people, including top footballers.

"Had that not happened, I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," Mearns said.

"We were told by the AAIB that they didn't feel that there was much to be gained... They felt it was going to be more difficult."

In the end, the AAIB chartered a ship to join Mearns on Sunday, and they identified the wreckage.

He said recovery was now "technically possible -- the water depth isn't an issue really, and the weather can be managed with the right ship".

"It's a matter of will to do it," he added.

Mearns was keen to praise the efforts by the Guernsey authorities in the days immediately after the plane disappeared. They called off the search only after concluding that no one would be found alive.

Sala was flying from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, when the Piper PA-46 Malibu dropped off the radar north of Guernsey.

He had just transferred from French team Nantes the previous weekend, in a 17 million euro move -- a record deal for the Welsh team.

British crash investigators told AFP on Tuesday they were planning "an underwater operation" in the next couple of days on the wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala in the Channel.

British crash investigators told AFP on Tuesday they were planning "an underwater operation" in the next couple of days on the wreckage of a plane carrying Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala in the Channel. "There is still an ongoing operation gathering evidence," said a spokesman for the Air Accident Investigations Branch. Asked whether an attempt would be made to recover the aircraft and the unidentified body that a remotely operated vehicle found on board, he said only: "An underwater operation will be conducted over the next couple of days". The shipwreck hunter who found the remains of the plane on Sunday urged the authorities to urgently recover the body. "Time is of the essence when you're talking about a body, so really it's imperative that they proceed with the recovery of the plane and the body," David Mearns said. Mearns was hired by Sala's family to find the light aircraft after it disappeared near the British island of Guernsey on January 21, with the 28-year-old footballer and pilot David Ibbotson on board. He found the wreckage on Sunday, before the AAIB took over the operation. They revealed on Monday that a body had been found at the site. "Finding it is just the starting point. The AAIB has got to investigate it... The best outcome for the families would be to find the plane and recover both bodies," Mearns said. "As tragic as the loss is, it's made much, much worse if the body is never recovered or they never get an answer to what happened." He is back at his home in England, but confirmed that AAIB divers are currently on the site, trying to establish what to do next. "You have to see whether you can lift the plane without disturbing the body and also making sure that you're picking it all up," he said. The discovery of two seat cushions on the French coast last week revealed that the plane was broken, Mearns added. "It's in one area (on the seabed), it's all one mass, but some bits may not be connected. So what you don't want to do is to disturb the body in a way that you lose it," he said. - 'A matter of will' - Sala's family have raised more than 370,000 euros ($422,000) in an online campaign to pay for the private search, with donations from 4,800 people, including top footballers. "Had that not happened, I don't think anybody would have searched for the plane," Mearns said. "We were told by the AAIB that they didn't feel that there was much to be gained... They felt it was going to be more difficult." In the end, the AAIB chartered a ship to join Mearns on Sunday, and they identified the wreckage. He said recovery was now "technically possible -- the water depth isn't an issue really, and the weather can be managed with the right ship". "It's a matter of will to do it," he added. Mearns was keen to praise the efforts by the Guernsey authorities in the days immediately after the plane disappeared. They called off the search only after concluding that no one would be found alive. Sala was flying from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, when the Piper PA-46 Malibu dropped off the radar north of Guernsey. He had just transferred from French team Nantes the previous weekend, in a 17 million euro move -- a record deal for the Welsh team.

Crash investigators planning 'operation' on Emiliano Sala's plane

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-3750-more-troops-to-mexico-border-pentagon-194907">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-3750-more-troops-to-mexico-border-pentagon-194907"> to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon</a>

The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-emiliano-salas-missing-plane-found-claim-investigators-194908">Footballer Emiliano Sala's missing plane found, claim investigators</a>

The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/you-will-stain-the-presidency-with-blood-venezuelas-maduro-to-trump-194921">You will stain the presidency with blood: Venezuela's Maduro to Trump</a>

With hours to go until the deadline passes for Nicolas Maduro to call early elections in Venezuela, ousted President warned Donald Trump of a civil war if he continues to insist on overthrowing him.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">CBI to move Supreme Court against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919">detention</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-to-move-supreme-court-against-detention-of-agency-officials-by-mamata-government-194919"> of agency officials by Mamata government</a>

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913">Will return Padma Bhushan if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-return-padma-bhushan-if-government-doesnt-fulfil-promises-hazare-194913"> doesn't fulfil promises: Hazare</a>

Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security.

US to send 3,750 more troops to Mexico border: Pentagon The United States will send an additional 3,750 troops to its frontier with Mexico, the Pentagon said on Sunday, as President Donald Trump doubled down on his call for a wall to boost border security. Footballer Emiliano Sala's missing plane found, claim investigators The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday. You will stain the presidency with blood: Venezuela's Maduro to Trump With hours to go until the deadline passes for Nicolas Maduro to call early elections in Venezuela, ousted President warned Donald Trump of a civil war if he continues to insist on overthrowing him. CBI to move Supreme Court against detention of agency officials by Mamata government The CBI will approach the Supreme Court against the wrongful detention of their officers outside Kolkata Commissioner Rajeev Kumar's residence on Sunday, said the central agency interim chief M Nageswara Rao. Will return Padma Bhushan if government doesn't fulfil promises: Hazare Social activist Anna Hazare, whose indefinite hunger strike entered the fifth day on Sunday, warned that if the Narendra Modi government did not fulfil its promises, he would return his Padma Bhushan.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Argentine football star Emiliano Sala's father Sunday was awakened from a sound sleep to learn that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/footballer-emiliano-salas-missing-plane-found-claim-investigators-194908">the plane in which his son was probably killed, has been found.</a>

"I can't believe it. It's a bad dream," Horacio Sala said when contacted by Cronica TV at his home in Progreso.

He was the only one to stay behind in Argentina when the family rushed to Nantes, France to try to help with the search.

"I talk to them every day. But since I don't have WhatsApp it's expensive to call them or for them to call me. But anyway, they kept saying days were going by, and that there had been zero word on Emiliano, or on the plane," his father said.

Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, in a light aircraft on January 21 when it went missing close to the Channel Islands.

Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday.

Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move.

Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowd funding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

Argentine football star Emiliano Sala's father Sunday was awakened from a sound sleep to learn that the plane in which his son was probably killed, has been found.

Argentine football star Emiliano Sala's father Sunday was awakened from a sound sleep to learn that the plane in which his son was probably killed, has been found. "I can't believe it. It's a bad dream," Horacio Sala said when contacted by Cronica TV at his home in Progreso. He was the only one to stay behind in Argentina when the family rushed to Nantes, France to try to help with the search. "I talk to them every day. But since I don't have WhatsApp it's expensive to call them or for them to call me. But anyway, they kept saying days were going by, and that there had been zero word on Emiliano, or on the plane," his father said. Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, in a light aircraft on January 21 when it went missing close to the Channel Islands. Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday. Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move. Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowd funding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

'It's a bad dream,' Emiliano Sala's father says after plane recovered

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/privately-funded-search-for-emiliano-sala-plane-starts-193615">missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala</a> and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday.

"I can confirm it has been found," a spokeswoman for Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

She said the AAIB would issue a statement on Monday.

Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cardiff-players-scared-to-fly-after-emiliano-salas-disappearance-says-defender-bamba-193829">Premier League side Cardiff City</a>, in a light aircraft on January 21 when it went missing close to the Channel Islands.

Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cardiff-striker-emiliano-sala-concerned-about-plane-in-final-audio-message-192122">Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane </a>after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move.

It vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Dave Ibbotson the only other person aboard.

David Mearns, whose private company, Blue Water Recoveries, was hired by Sala's family to search for the plane, said on Twitter that the wreck was spotted early Sunday.

" There's a substantial amount of wreckage on the seabed," he wrote, adding: "This is about the best result we could have hoped for the families."

Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowdfunding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday. "I can confirm it has been found," a spokeswoman for Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.

The missing plane carrying Argentinian footballer Emiliano Sala and his pilot has been found, investigators told AFP on Sunday. "I can confirm it has been found," a spokeswoman for Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said. She said the AAIB would issue a statement on Monday. Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, in a light aircraft on January 21 when it went missing close to the Channel Islands. Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday. Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move. It vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Dave Ibbotson the only other person aboard. David Mearns, whose private company, Blue Water Recoveries, was hired by Sala's family to search for the plane, said on Twitter that the wreck was spotted early Sunday. " There's a substantial amount of wreckage on the seabed," he wrote, adding: "This is about the best result we could have hoped for the families." Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowdfunding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

Footballer Emiliano Sala's missing plane found, claim investigators

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-slams-european-interference-in-venezuela-195064">Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela</a>

Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-vs-bengal-ready-to-give-my-life-but-not-compromise-says-mamata-cbi-files-contempt-plea-in-sc-195124">Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC</a>

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state.&nbsp;

"I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spain-recognises-venezuela-opposition-leader-guaido-as-acting-president-195050">UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president</a>

Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059"> leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-constitution-rejects-use-of-iraq-as-a-base-for-attacking-a-neighbouring-country-barham-saleh-195059">country</a>

Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran.

In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">Body found in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090">wreckage</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/body-found-in-wreckage-of-footballer-salas-plane-investigators-195090"> of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators</a>

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader.

Russia slams European 'interference' in Venezuela Russia on Monday slammed what it said were attempts to interfere in Venezuela's domestic affairs after several European countries recognised opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader. Centre vs Bengal: Ready to give my life but not compromise, says Mamata; CBI files contempt plea in SC West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said she is "ready to give my life but not compromise" in the wake of the CBI-Kolkata Police face-off in her state. "I am ready to give my life but not compromise. I did not take to the streets when you touched TMC leaders. But I am angry when they tried to insult the chair of the Kolkata Police Commissioner, he is leading the organisation," Mamata said. UK, France, Germany recognise Venezuela opposition leader Guaido as acting president Britain, France, Spain and Germany on Monday recognised Venezuela's opposition chief Juan Guaido as interim leader after President Nicolas Maduro rejected a demand by several European powers for fresh elections. After Trump speaks, Iraqis demand US leave country Iraqi politicians on Monday hit back at Donald Trump after the US president said he plans to keep American forces in the country to spy on Iran. In an interview with CBS television, Trump reaffirmed his determination to pull the United States out of "endless wars" in Syria and Afghanistan but said American troops would stay on in Iraq, partly "to be looking a little bit at Iran". Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a> and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

"Tragically, in video footage from the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage," the Air Accident Investigation Branch said in a statement.

"The image shows the rear left side of the fuselage including part of the aircraft registration," the AAIB said. "We intend to publish an interim report within one month of the accident occurring."
<img alt="Emiliano Sala" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ada4c098-465e-4784-a0ca-f6a35055c718" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sala.jpg" />
Earlier, the missing plane carrying Sala and his pilot was found, the investigators told AFP on Sunday.&nbsp;

"I can confirm it has been found," a spokeswoman for Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said.&nbsp;

Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, in a light aircraft <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/plane-carrying-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-goes-missing-191987">on January 21 when it went missing</a> close to the Channel Islands.

Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday.&nbsp;

Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move.&nbsp;

It vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Dave Ibbotson the only other person aboard.&nbsp;

David Mearns, whose private company, Blue Water Recoveries, was hired by Sala's family to search for the plane, said on Twitter that the wreck was spotted early Sunday.&nbsp;

" There's a substantial amount of wreckage on the seabed," he wrote, adding: "This is about the best result we could have hoped for the families."

Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowdfunding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago.

British investigators on Monday said they had spotted a body in underwater images of the wreckage of the plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson that disappeared in the Channel two weeks ago. "Tragically, in video footage from the ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), one occupant is visible amidst the wreckage," the Air Accident Investigation Branch said in a statement. "The image shows the rear left side of the fuselage including part of the aircraft registration," the AAIB said. "We intend to publish an interim report within one month of the accident occurring." Earlier, the missing plane carrying Sala and his pilot was found, the investigators told AFP on Sunday. "I can confirm it has been found," a spokeswoman for Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said. Sala was travelling from France to join up with his new club, Premier League side Cardiff City, in a light aircraft on January 21 when it went missing close to the Channel Islands. Suspected debris from the plane washed up on the Normandy coastline in France last Wednesday. Sala was flying in the Piper PA-46 Malibu plane after transferring from French team Nantes in a 17 million euro ($19.3 million) move. It vanished from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Guernsey, with pilot Dave Ibbotson the only other person aboard. David Mearns, whose private company, Blue Water Recoveries, was hired by Sala's family to search for the plane, said on Twitter that the wreck was spotted early Sunday. " There's a substantial amount of wreckage on the seabed," he wrote, adding: "This is about the best result we could have hoped for the families." Top footballers were among more than 4,500 contributors to a crowdfunding page that raised over 300,000 euros ($343,000) to look for the wreck.

Body found in wreckage of footballer Emiliano Sala's plane: Investigators

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock said that missing striker Emiliano Sala, who is presumed dead following a plane crash, would have been proud of his team following their 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Bobby Reid scored early in each half in a game that turned into a celebration of Sala, the club's record 15-million-pound ($19.63-million) signing from French Ligue 1 club Nantes, who disappeared along with the pilot of a small plane on Jan. 21.

The Argentinian striker and the pilot are believed to have died after crashing into the sea, and a privately-funded search is set to begin on Sunday.

The Cardiff players held up a T-shirt bearing the image of the 28-year-old Sala, who never played a game for the club, after Reid rifled home an early penalty to give the relegation-threatened Bluebirds the lead in the fifth minute.

"I know he's not here today, but Emiliano today, he would have been proud of us," said Warnock, who had struggled to fight back tears as he applauded the crowd on the pitch after the game.

Fans were handed daffodils as they entered the Cardiff City Stadium and a minute's silence was observed, with many holding up coloured cards to form a mosaic in Sala's honour.

The players' tribute after Reid's fifth-minute penalty was followed in the 28th minute by a round of applause that swelled around the ground as fans sang Sala's name.

Reid added a second goal 15 seconds after the break to put his side two up and seal three valuable points in their battle to avoid relegation but, despite an outstanding performance, they remain third from bottom on 22 points, two behind Burnley.

Bournemouth were a shadow of the side that hammered Chelsea 4-0 in their midweek league clash, and they remain in 10th position in the table on 33 points.

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock said that missing striker Emiliano Sala, who is presumed dead following a plane crash, would have been proud of his team following their 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock said that missing striker Emiliano Sala, who is presumed dead following a plane crash, would have been proud of his team following their 2-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth on Saturday. Bobby Reid scored early in each half in a game that turned into a celebration of Sala, the club's record 15-million-pound ($19.63-million) signing from French Ligue 1 club Nantes, who disappeared along with the pilot of a small plane on Jan. 21. The Argentinian striker and the pilot are believed to have died after crashing into the sea, and a privately-funded search is set to begin on Sunday. The Cardiff players held up a T-shirt bearing the image of the 28-year-old Sala, who never played a game for the club, after Reid rifled home an early penalty to give the relegation-threatened Bluebirds the lead in the fifth minute. "I know he's not here today, but Emiliano today, he would have been proud of us," said Warnock, who had struggled to fight back tears as he applauded the crowd on the pitch after the game. Fans were handed daffodils as they entered the Cardiff City Stadium and a minute's silence was observed, with many holding up coloured cards to form a mosaic in Sala's honour. The players' tribute after Reid's fifth-minute penalty was followed in the 28th minute by a round of applause that swelled around the ground as fans sang Sala's name. Reid added a second goal 15 seconds after the break to put his side two up and seal three valuable points in their battle to avoid relegation but, despite an outstanding performance, they remain third from bottom on 22 points, two behind Burnley. Bournemouth were a shadow of the side that hammered Chelsea 4-0 in their midweek league clash, and they remain in 10th position in the table on 33 points.

Missing Emiliano Sala would be 'proud' of Cardiff's win over Bournemouth: Manager Warnock

An underwater seabed search for the missing plane that was carrying football player Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson began on February 3.&nbsp;

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since their plane disappeared over the Channel last week.&nbsp;

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said its Geo Ocean III vessel arrived on Sunday morning to the search area.&nbsp;

Together with a privately-funded vessel, it is conducting sonar surveys off Guernsey.&nbsp;

The planned search area, which is based on the plane's last radar contact, is approximately 24 nautical miles north of Guernsey.

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/we-love-you-emi-nantes-players-pay-emotional-tribute-to-emiliano-sala-194536">'We love you Emi': Nantes players pay emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala</a>

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward had been en route from Nantes in western France with pilot Ibbotson to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City when the plane disappeared over the English Channel on January 21.

AAIB said it was informed on Monday (January 28) that part of a seat cushion had been found on a beach near Surtainville on the Cotentin Peninsula in northern France. A second cushion was found in the same area later that day.&nbsp;

Rescuers scoured about 1,700 square miles (4,400 square km) after the single-engined Piper Malibu plane went missing but had failed to find a trace of the aircraft until Monday.

The plane had been cruising at 5,000 feet (1,525 m) when the pilot requested to descend to a lower altitude on passing Guernsey. It then lost radar contact at 2,300 feet (700 m).

An underwater seabed search for the missing plane that was carrying football player Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson began on February 3. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since their plane disappeared over the Channel last week.

An underwater seabed search for the missing plane that was carrying football player Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson began on February 3. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since their plane disappeared over the Channel last week. Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said its Geo Ocean III vessel arrived on Sunday morning to the search area. Together with a privately-funded vessel, it is conducting sonar surveys off Guernsey. The planned search area, which is based on the plane's last radar contact, is approximately 24 nautical miles north of Guernsey. Also Read: 'We love you Emi': Nantes players pay emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward had been en route from Nantes in western France with pilot Ibbotson to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City when the plane disappeared over the English Channel on January 21. AAIB said it was informed on Monday (January 28) that part of a seat cushion had been found on a beach near Surtainville on the Cotentin Peninsula in northern France. A second cushion was found in the same area later that day. Rescuers scoured about 1,700 square miles (4,400 square km) after the single-engined Piper Malibu plane went missing but had failed to find a trace of the aircraft until Monday. The plane had been cruising at 5,000 feet (1,525 m) when the pilot requested to descend to a lower altitude on passing Guernsey. It then lost radar contact at 2,300 feet (700 m).

Underwater search for Emiliano Sala's plane begins

Nantes&nbsp;paid a moving tribute to their former team-mate, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a>, as the team played their first game since the disappearance of the Argentine striker&nbsp;at&nbsp;the Stade de la Beaujoire.&nbsp;

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/plane-carrying-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-goes-missing-191987">missing&nbsp;since their plane disappeared</a> over the Channel last week.&nbsp;

Before the game, players&nbsp;warmed up wearing t-shirts with "On T'aime Emi" (We Love You Emi) written on the back and the player's photo on the front.&nbsp;

A giant picture of Sala was projected onto the centre circle.&nbsp;

The whole Nantes squad formed a circle moments before the match started as coach Vahid Halilhodzic spoke to the players.

Nantes players wore Sala's name on the back of their shirts when the game kicked off.&nbsp;

The tearful fans held a minute's applause and chanted his name.

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Former&nbsp;Nantes&nbsp;forward Yacine Bammou, who became a close friend of Sala's before leaving for Caen, was in tears watching on, while coach Vahid Halilhodzic also struggled to contain his emotions.

"It's hard to talk about this, it's a terrible moment, we're all shocked," Halilhodzic said earlier on Wednesday.

"Hope, whether it's slim or not? I don't know, but we're still waiting for a surprise, I hope it will come very soon.

"He is such a nice, kind, respectful, endearing boy and a true warrior who loved the club."

The game finished 1-1, with&nbsp;Nantes&nbsp;full-back Fabio and Saint-Etienne midfielder Yann M'Vila both sent off for a scuffle on the stroke of half-time.

Earlier, the accident investigators said two seat cushions had been found which are likely to have come from the plane carrying Sala and the pilot.

"I did not have much hope. Now we must try to mourn and then move forward," said 69-year-old&nbsp;Nantes&nbsp;supporter Andree Guittet.

Nantes paid a moving tribute to their former team-mate, Emiliano Sala, as the team played their first game since the disappearance of the Argentine striker at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Nantes paid a moving tribute to their former team-mate, Emiliano Sala, as the team played their first game since the disappearance of the Argentine striker at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since their plane disappeared over the Channel last week. Before the game, players warmed up wearing t-shirts with "On T'aime Emi" (We Love You Emi) written on the back and the player's photo on the front. A giant picture of Sala was projected onto the centre circle. The whole Nantes squad formed a circle moments before the match started as coach Vahid Halilhodzic spoke to the players. Nantes players wore Sala's name on the back of their shirts when the game kicked off. The tearful fans held a minute's applause and chanted his name. « Emi', on t'aime » Hier soir, le temps s'est arrêté... Le film de la soirée 📺#FCNASSE | #PlayForSala pic.twitter.com/fVPuxenqLO — FC Nantes (@FCNantes) January 31, 2019 × Emi', pour toujours avec nous 💛#PrayForSala pic.twitter.com/GRV80nZu8o — FC Nantes (@FCNantes) February 1, 2019 × Former Nantes forward Yacine Bammou, who became a close friend of Sala's before leaving for Caen, was in tears watching on, while coach Vahid Halilhodzic also struggled to contain his emotions. "It's hard to talk about this, it's a terrible moment, we're all shocked," Halilhodzic said earlier on Wednesday. "Hope, whether it's slim or not? I don't know, but we're still waiting for a surprise, I hope it will come very soon. "He is such a nice, kind, respectful, endearing boy and a true warrior who loved the club." The game finished 1-1, with Nantes full-back Fabio and Saint-Etienne midfielder Yann M'Vila both sent off for a scuffle on the stroke of half-time. Earlier, the accident investigators said two seat cushions had been found which are likely to have come from the plane carrying Sala and the pilot. "I did not have much hope. Now we must try to mourn and then move forward," said 69-year-old Nantes supporter Andree Guittet.

'We love you Emi': Nantes players pay emotional tribute to Emiliano Sala

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said some players did not want to join the Welsh club in the January transfer window after new signing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a>'s flight disappeared over the English Channel last week.

Cardiff's 28-year-old record signing Sala was en route from Nantes with pilot David Ibbotson when his plane disappeared on Jan. 21. He is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/plane-carrying-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-goes-missing-191987">yet to be found</a>.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Bournemouth, Warnock described the January transfer window as "difficult" in the tragic circumstances.

"One or two of the strikers we were talking about did not really want to come in the circumstances," Warnock told a news conference on Friday.

"They didn't want to come in after what's happened. So it's been a very difficult window."

Cardiff managed to sign Leandro Bacuna from Reading on Thursday's transfer deadline day and Warnock said he was pleased with what the Curacao international could offer.

"We were fortunate we managed to get Bacuna over the line. He's a player I like and I've watched over the last three years," Warnock added.

"He can play wherever the need is. I've seen him at right back, left back playing in central midfield and also on the right wing. He's versatile."

Cardiff are 18th in the table with 19 points from 24 games.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said some players did not want to join the Welsh club in the January transfer window after new signing Emiliano Sala's flight disappeared over the English Channel last week.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock said some players did not want to join the Welsh club in the January transfer window after new signing Emiliano Sala's flight disappeared over the English Channel last week. Cardiff's 28-year-old record signing Sala was en route from Nantes with pilot David Ibbotson when his plane disappeared on Jan. 21. He is yet to be found. Speaking ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Bournemouth, Warnock described the January transfer window as "difficult" in the tragic circumstances. "One or two of the strikers we were talking about did not really want to come in the circumstances," Warnock told a news conference on Friday. "They didn't want to come in after what's happened. So it's been a very difficult window." Cardiff managed to sign Leandro Bacuna from Reading on Thursday's transfer deadline day and Warnock said he was pleased with what the Curacao international could offer. "We were fortunate we managed to get Bacuna over the line. He's a player I like and I've watched over the last three years," Warnock added. "He can play wherever the need is. I've seen him at right back, left back playing in central midfield and also on the right wing. He's versatile." Cardiff are 18th in the table with 19 points from 24 games.

Some players reluctant to join club after Sala disappearance: Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock

Some of the Cardiff City players are scared to fly after January signing Emiliano Sala's flight disappeared over the English Channel last week, defender Sol Bamba has said.

Cardiff played their first game since Sala's disappearance on Tuesday, a 2-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal, where tributes were paid to the missing Argentine forward and pilot David Ibbotson prior to kickoff.&nbsp;

The plane carrying Sala that disappeared from radar on Jan. 21 is yet to be found and Bamba said the team was badly affected by the "unusual situation".

"We travel by plane and some of the lads have been thinking `I don`t want to go on it anymore`," Bamba told BBC.

"The gaffer... and the club have been good in terms of bringing someone in to talk to if we need to. And I think some of the lads do, they need to get it out."

Bamba, who knew Sala personally through his agent, said he discussed the move to Cardiff with the Argentine who was signed from French Ligue 1 club Nantes.

"It is not just me finding it difficult, even though I had a personal connection to him," Bamba added. "I don't feel more sad than the other lads, everyone feels sad, the whole club."

Rescuers ended their search for Sala last week after saying there was little chance anyone aboard had survived but a privately funded operation is set to search for wreckage on Sunday.&nbsp;

Some of the Cardiff City players are scared to fly after January signing Emiliano Sala's flight disappeared over the English Channel last week, defender Sol Bamba has said.

Some of the Cardiff City players are scared to fly after January signing Emiliano Sala's flight disappeared over the English Channel last week, defender Sol Bamba has said. Cardiff played their first game since Sala's disappearance on Tuesday, a 2-1 Premier League defeat at Arsenal, where tributes were paid to the missing Argentine forward and pilot David Ibbotson prior to kickoff. The plane carrying Sala that disappeared from radar on Jan. 21 is yet to be found and Bamba said the team was badly affected by the "unusual situation". "We travel by plane and some of the lads have been thinking `I don`t want to go on it anymore`," Bamba told BBC. "The gaffer... and the club have been good in terms of bringing someone in to talk to if we need to. And I think some of the lads do, they need to get it out." Bamba, who knew Sala personally through his agent, said he discussed the move to Cardiff with the Argentine who was signed from French Ligue 1 club Nantes. "It is not just me finding it difficult, even though I had a personal connection to him," Bamba added. "I don't feel more sad than the other lads, everyone feels sad, the whole club." Rescuers ended their search for Sala last week after saying there was little chance anyone aboard had survived but a privately funded operation is set to search for wreckage on Sunday.

Cardiff players scared to fly after Emiliano Sala's disappearance, says defender Bamba

Investigators searching for a lost plane carrying <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cardiff-players-scared-to-fly-after-emiliano-salas-disappearance-says-defender-bamba-193829">Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala</a> said on Wednesday an underwater search would begin after they found two seat cushions on the French coast that likely belonged to the aircraft.

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward had been en route from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/privately-funded-search-for-emiliano-sala-plane-starts-193615">Nantes in western France with pilot David Ibbotson</a> to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City when the plane disappeared over the English Channel.

Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said part of a seat cushion had been found on a beach near Surtainville on the northern French coast. A second cushion was found in the same area later that same day.

"From a preliminary examination, we have concluded that it is likely that the cushions are from the missing aircraft," the AAIB said in a statement.

Investigators said they now planned to launch an underwater seabed search for aircraft wreckage. Due to weather conditions, the search would start at the end of this weekend and take up to three days.

"Based on a detailed assessment of the flight path and last known radar position, we have now identified a priority search area of approximately four square nautical miles," they said.

A three-day search for the forward and pilot David Ibbotson ended last Thursday&nbsp;after rescuers said there was little chance anyone aboard the single-engine aircraft had survived.

The private search, which is being paid for by fundraisers, involves fishing boats and a survey vessel equipped with state-of-the-art search equipment which will be used to conduct an underwater search.

Earlier, members of the&nbsp;Sala&nbsp;family had taken a private flight to see the area where the rescuers have been searching.

Investigators searching for a lost plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala said on Wednesday an underwater search would begin after they found two seat cushions on the French coast that likely belonged to the aircraft.

Investigators searching for a lost plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala said on Wednesday an underwater search would begin after they found two seat cushions on the French coast that likely belonged to the aircraft. The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward had been en route from Nantes in western France with pilot David Ibbotson to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City when the plane disappeared over the English Channel. Britain's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said part of a seat cushion had been found on a beach near Surtainville on the northern French coast. A second cushion was found in the same area later that same day. "From a preliminary examination, we have concluded that it is likely that the cushions are from the missing aircraft," the AAIB said in a statement. Investigators said they now planned to launch an underwater seabed search for aircraft wreckage. Due to weather conditions, the search would start at the end of this weekend and take up to three days. "Based on a detailed assessment of the flight path and last known radar position, we have now identified a priority search area of approximately four square nautical miles," they said. A three-day search for the forward and pilot David Ibbotson ended last Thursday after rescuers said there was little chance anyone aboard the single-engine aircraft had survived. The private search, which is being paid for by fundraisers, involves fishing boats and a survey vessel equipped with state-of-the-art search equipment which will be used to conduct an underwater search. Earlier, members of the Sala family had taken a private flight to see the area where the rescuers have been searching.

Cushions found likely to be from missing Sala aircraft: British air investigation

The marine scientist David Mearns, who is leading the private search for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a>'s plane by using underwater technology to scan the seabed, outlined the difficulties his team face at a news conference in Guernsey on Monday (January 28).

Argentine striker Sala, who had just joined Cardiff City from Nantes, has been missing since the plane he was travelling in disappeared over the Channel last Monday (January 21).

A three-day search for the forward and pilot David Ibbotson ended last Thursday (January 24) after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rescuers-end-search-for-missing-plane-carrying-football-star-emiliano-sala-192562">rescuers said there was little chance anyone aboard the single-engine aircraft had survived</a>.

The private search, which is being paid for by fundraisers, involves fishing boats and a survey vessel equipped with state-of-the-art search equipment which will be used to conduct an underwater search.

"This is a relatively small search area... but there are complications in terms of it being a small plane, the bottom (of the sea) is very hard, there is lots of other wreckage out there, and we have the weather," said Mearns.

"We are working in the worst time. If this was the summertime our confidence level would be much higher, almost to the point of a guarantee."

Earlier in the day, members of the Sala family took a private flight to see the area where the rescuers have been searching.

The marine scientist David Mearns, who is leading the private search for Emiliano Sala's plane by using underwater technology to scan the seabed, outlined the difficulties his team face at a news conference in Guernsey on Monday (January 28).

The marine scientist David Mearns, who is leading the private search for Emiliano Sala's plane by using underwater technology to scan the seabed, outlined the difficulties his team face at a news conference in Guernsey on Monday (January 28). Argentine striker Sala, who had just joined Cardiff City from Nantes, has been missing since the plane he was travelling in disappeared over the Channel last Monday (January 21). A three-day search for the forward and pilot David Ibbotson ended last Thursday (January 24) after rescuers said there was little chance anyone aboard the single-engine aircraft had survived. The private search, which is being paid for by fundraisers, involves fishing boats and a survey vessel equipped with state-of-the-art search equipment which will be used to conduct an underwater search. "This is a relatively small search area... but there are complications in terms of it being a small plane, the bottom (of the sea) is very hard, there is lots of other wreckage out there, and we have the weather," said Mearns. "We are working in the worst time. If this was the summertime our confidence level would be much higher, almost to the point of a guarantee." Earlier in the day, members of the Sala family took a private flight to see the area where the rescuers have been searching.

Privately-funded search for Emiliano Sala plane starts

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, came forward and joined calls for the search for missing Cardiff City footballer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a> to resume.&nbsp;

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night.&nbsp;

Rescuers said on Thursday that they had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rescuers-end-search-for-missing-plane-carrying-football-star-emiliano-sala-192562">ended the search</a> stating that the chances of survival of both, pilot and footballer, were extremely remote.&nbsp;

As per an official statement, Macri&nbsp;told his foreign minister to issue formal requests to Britain and France.&nbsp;

Mauricio released a statement from his office stating that a formal request has been sent to the governments of Great Britain and France asking search Sala to resume.&nbsp;

The statement read, "President Mauricio Macri instructed foreign minister Jorge Faurie to make a formal request to the governments of Great Britain and France to ask them to maintain the search efforts."

It is expected that Mr Faurie will make the request to both nations' embassies soon.&nbsp;

Argentine footballer <a href="http://cms.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-requests-authorities-to-resume-search-for-missing-argentine-footballer-emiliano-sala-192878">Lionel Messi has also urged</a> the authorities to continue the search.&nbsp;

Messi wrote on his Instagram, "While there are possibilities, a thread of hope, we ask you to please do not stop looking."

Earlier, Romina Sala, sister of missing footballer Sala, made an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/please-dont-stop-the-search-emiliano-salas-sister-pleads-192598">emotional plea to continue the search</a>.

"It is very difficult at the moment. I feel very confused. The only thing I want is for my brother to be found, for the pilot to be found," she said.&nbsp;

"I feel that they are alive and that they are OK and that they are waiting for us," she added.

When the search was called off,&nbsp;the rescuers had mentioned that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.&nbsp;

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, came forward and joined calls for the search for missing Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala to resume. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night.

Mauricio Macri, President of Argentina, came forward and joined calls for the search for missing Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala to resume. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night. Rescuers said on Thursday that they had ended the search stating that the chances of survival of both, pilot and footballer, were extremely remote. As per an official statement, Macri told his foreign minister to issue formal requests to Britain and France. Mauricio released a statement from his office stating that a formal request has been sent to the governments of Great Britain and France asking search Sala to resume. The statement read, "President Mauricio Macri instructed foreign minister Jorge Faurie to make a formal request to the governments of Great Britain and France to ask them to maintain the search efforts." It is expected that Mr Faurie will make the request to both nations' embassies soon. Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has also urged the authorities to continue the search. Messi wrote on his Instagram, "While there are possibilities, a thread of hope, we ask you to please do not stop looking." Earlier, Romina Sala, sister of missing footballer Sala, made an emotional plea to continue the search. "It is very difficult at the moment. I feel very confused. The only thing I want is for my brother to be found, for the pilot to be found," she said. "I feel that they are alive and that they are OK and that they are waiting for us," she added. When the search was called off, the rescuers had mentioned that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.

Argentine president Mauricio Macri requests new search for footballer Emiliano Sala

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has urged the authorities to continue the search for the plane carrying Premier League football player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a> which disappeared over the English Channel a few days ago.

Rescuers said on Thursday they had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rescuers-end-search-for-missing-plane-carrying-football-star-emiliano-sala-192562">ended the search</a> stating that the chances of survival were extremely remote.&nbsp;

Messi wrote on his Instagram, "While there are possibilities, a thread of hope, we ask you to please do not stop looking."

He added, "All my strength and support to your family and friends."

Also Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/please-dont-stop-the-search-emiliano-salas-sister-pleads-192598">'Please don't stop the search': Emiliano Sala's sister pleads</a>

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night.&nbsp;

Rescuers had mentioned that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.&nbsp;

A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has urged the authorities to continue the search for the plane carrying Premier League football player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel a few days ago.

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has urged the authorities to continue the search for the plane carrying Premier League football player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel a few days ago. Rescuers said on Thursday they had ended the search stating that the chances of survival were extremely remote. Messi wrote on his Instagram, "While there are possibilities, a thread of hope, we ask you to please do not stop looking." He added, "All my strength and support to your family and friends." Also Read: 'Please don't stop the search': Emiliano Sala's sister pleads Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night. Rescuers had mentioned that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim. A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in. The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

Lionel Messi requests authorities to resume search for missing Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala

Romina Sala, the sister of missing Cardiff City soccer player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/rescuers-end-search-for-missing-plane-carrying-football-star-emiliano-sala-192562">Emiliano Sala</a>, made an emotional plea for the authorities on Thursday to continue the search for the plane which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago.

Rescuers ended their search on Thursday for the plane carrying the Premier League soccer player after saying there was little chance anyone aboard had survived.

Sala, Cardiff City's new signing, and the plane's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night. Rescuers have scoured about 1,700 square miles but have found no trace of the aircraft or those on board.

Speaking at a news conference in Cardiff on Thursday, a tearful Romina urged the authoritites to keep searching for her brother and the pilot.

"The message that I would like to give is to not stop the search," she pleaded.

"It is very difficult at the moment. I feel very confused. The only thing I want is for my brother to be found, for the pilot to be found," she said. "I feel that they are alive and that they are OK and that they are waiting for us," she added.

She said that she last spoke to her brother on Monday and that he was very happy and very excited.

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

Romina Sala, the sister of missing Cardiff City soccer player Emiliano Sala, made an emotional plea for the authorities on Thursday to continue the search for the plane which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago.

Romina Sala, the sister of missing Cardiff City soccer player Emiliano Sala, made an emotional plea for the authorities on Thursday to continue the search for the plane which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago. Rescuers ended their search on Thursday for the plane carrying the Premier League soccer player after saying there was little chance anyone aboard had survived. Sala, Cardiff City's new signing, and the plane's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night. Rescuers have scoured about 1,700 square miles but have found no trace of the aircraft or those on board. Speaking at a news conference in Cardiff on Thursday, a tearful Romina urged the authoritites to keep searching for her brother and the pilot. "The message that I would like to give is to not stop the search," she pleaded. "It is very difficult at the moment. I feel very confused. The only thing I want is for my brother to be found, for the pilot to be found," she said. "I feel that they are alive and that they are OK and that they are waiting for us," she added. She said that she last spoke to her brother on Monday and that he was very happy and very excited. The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

'Please don't stop the search': Emiliano Sala's sister pleads

Emiliano Sala's sister pleads: 'Please don't stop the search'

Rescuers said on Thursday they had ended the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a> which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago, adding the chances of survival were extremely remote.&nbsp;

"Next of kin have been informed of this development and my thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times," Guernsey Harbour Master David Barker said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search," police on the British island of Guernsey said in a statement.&nbsp;

Earlier on the day,&nbsp;Guernsey police <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/guernsey-police-resumes-search-for-missing-footballer-emiliano-sala-192464">resumed the search</a>&nbsp;but they eventually called it off.&nbsp;

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night.&nbsp;

Rescuers had mentioned&nbsp;that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.&nbsp;

A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in.&nbsp;

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.&nbsp;

Rescuers said on Thursday they had ended the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago, adding the chances of survival were extremely remote.

Rescuers said on Thursday they had ended the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago, adding the chances of survival were extremely remote. "Next of kin have been informed of this development and my thoughts go out to the family of the pilot and passenger at this most difficult of times," Guernsey Harbour Master David Barker said in a statement. "We reviewed all the information available to us, as well as knowing what emergency equipment was on board, and have taken the difficult decision to end the search," police on the British island of Guernsey said in a statement. Earlier on the day, Guernsey police resumed the search but they eventually called it off. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night. Rescuers had mentioned that chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim. A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in. The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

Rescuers end search for missing plane carrying football star Emiliano Sala

Guernsey police on Thursday resumed the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a> which disappeared over the English Channel.

Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/plane-carrying-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-goes-missing-191987">missing since Monday nigh</a>t and rescuers have said chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.

A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in.

The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City.

On Thursday, the authorities said they were resuming their search efforts.

"We are commencing a coastal search using the Channel Islands Air Search plane of Burhou, the Casquets, Alderney, the north coast of the Cherbourg Peninsula, north coast of Jersey and then back over Sark," Guernsey police tweeted.

Guernsey police on Thursday resumed the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night and rescuers have said chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim.

Guernsey police on Thursday resumed the search for the plane carrying Premier League soccer player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel. Cardiff City's new signing Sala and the aircraft's pilot, David Ibbotson, have been missing since Monday night and rescuers have said chances of finding either of them alive were almost vanishingly slim. A recording had since emerged of a fearful voice message Sala apparently sent in which he expressed concerns about the single-engine Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in. The 28-year-old Argentina-born forward was en route from Nantes in western France to make his debut for Welsh team Cardiff City. On Thursday, the authorities said they were resuming their search efforts. "We are commencing a coastal search using the Channel Islands Air Search plane of Burhou, the Casquets, Alderney, the north coast of the Cherbourg Peninsula, north coast of Jersey and then back over Sark," Guernsey police tweeted.

Guernsey police resume search for missing footballer Emiliano Sala

Cardiff City's record new signing Emiliano Sala expressed concern about his plane shortly before the light aircraft disappeared over the Channel, according to an audio message sent to friends and relatives.

The Argentine striker, signed on Saturday from French club Nantes for a reported fee of 17 million euros ($19.3 million), was flying to Cardiff aboard the plane that disappeared from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the island of Guernsey on Monday night.

"I'm on a plane that looks like it's going to fall apart, and I'm leaving for Cardiff," Sala said in a WhatsApp audio message carried by Argentine media.

"If in an hour and a half you have no news from me, I don't know if they will send people to look for me, because they will not find me, you know. Dad, I'm so scared," he added.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cardiff-striker-emiliano-sala-feared-dead-after-suspected-plane-crash-192102">Sala is missing and presumed dead</a> after the single-engine Piper PA-46 Malibu aircraft disappeared.

A 15-hour search Tuesday covering a 1,155 square-mile (3,000 square-kilometre) area in the Channel spotted "a number of floating objects in the water", Guernsey police said.

"We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim," police said.

The search was set to resume at sunrise Wednesday.

French civil aviation authorities had confirmed that 28-year-old Sala "was on board the plane". It is thought there was one other passenger on the aircraft.

Police on Guernsey, which sits just off the north coast of France, said the pilot had requested to lower his altitude shortly before air traffic control in neighbouring Jersey lost contact with the plane.&nbsp;

'Fearing the worst'

One of the rescuers searching for the missing plane earlier admitted they were "fearing the worst", thoughts echoed by Sala's father Horacio.

"Sadly we are fearing the worst... the sea temperature is so cold at the moment," John Fitzgerald, chief officer of Channel Islands Air Search, told AFP.

A tearful Horacio Sala told the press in Progreso, where the player's family lives, that as "the hours go by and I don't know anything, it makes me fear the worst".

"I don't know anything. Nobody spoke to me, not a call from the embassy, the club, nobody," he said. "All I want is for you to find him."

The player's mother, Mercedes, claimed in an interview with Argentine television channel C5N that the plane belonged to Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman.

Sala, who had been at Nantes since 2015 and had scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with relegation-threatened Cardiff subject to receiving international clearance.

"We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing. We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team," the Premier League club's executive director Ken Choo said in a statement.

"We continue to pray for positive news."

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona expressed sadness but said he was hoping the plane had simply gone astray.

"I hope it went to the wrong airport and we find him alive, that's all," he said in an audio message on the Instagram account of journalist Martin Arevalo.

"It's a terrible misfortune when such things happen."

Cardiff called off a training session planned for Tuesday, and stunned supporters gathered outside the club's ground to lay flowers and scarves.

With his former teammates in shock, Nantes had their French Cup tie against third-tier side Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien postponed from Wednesday until Sunday.

Fans hold vigil

Meanwhile, hundreds of fans of his former team gathered for a vigil in the western French city on Tuesday evening, placing flowers, scarves and flags on the water fountain and chanting the striker's name at Place Royale.

"I still have hope, he is a fighter," said Nantes president Waldemar Kita in a tweet published by the Ligue 1 club.

When he put pen to paper at relegation-threatened Cardiff on Saturday, Sala, who also has Italian nationality, said in a statement: "I'm very happy to be here. It gives me great pleasure and I can't wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and get down to work.

"For me it feels special (to be the club's record signing). I have come here wanting to work and to help my team-mates and the club."

Sala's last post on Instagram showed him surrounded by players from Nantes. "La ultima ciao (the last goodbye)," he wrote.

Sala began his footballing career at French club Bordeaux, who he joined in 2010, and had loan spells at other French clubs including Orleans, Niort and Caen.

He joined Nantes in 2015 for one million euros and had scored 42 Ligue 1 goals in three and a half seasons at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Cardiff City's record new signing Emiliano Sala expressed concern about his plane shortly before the light aircraft disappeared over the Channel, according to an audio message sent to friends and relatives.

Cardiff City's record new signing Emiliano Sala expressed concern about his plane shortly before the light aircraft disappeared over the Channel, according to an audio message sent to friends and relatives. The Argentine striker, signed on Saturday from French club Nantes for a reported fee of 17 million euros ($19.3 million), was flying to Cardiff aboard the plane that disappeared from radar around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the island of Guernsey on Monday night. "I'm on a plane that looks like it's going to fall apart, and I'm leaving for Cardiff," Sala said in a WhatsApp audio message carried by Argentine media. "If in an hour and a half you have no news from me, I don't know if they will send people to look for me, because they will not find me, you know. Dad, I'm so scared," he added. Sala is missing and presumed dead after the single-engine Piper PA-46 Malibu aircraft disappeared. A 15-hour search Tuesday covering a 1,155 square-mile (3,000 square-kilometre) area in the Channel spotted "a number of floating objects in the water", Guernsey police said. "We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim," police said. The search was set to resume at sunrise Wednesday. French civil aviation authorities had confirmed that 28-year-old Sala "was on board the plane". It is thought there was one other passenger on the aircraft. Police on Guernsey, which sits just off the north coast of France, said the pilot had requested to lower his altitude shortly before air traffic control in neighbouring Jersey lost contact with the plane. 'Fearing the worst' One of the rescuers searching for the missing plane earlier admitted they were "fearing the worst", thoughts echoed by Sala's father Horacio. "Sadly we are fearing the worst... the sea temperature is so cold at the moment," John Fitzgerald, chief officer of Channel Islands Air Search, told AFP. A tearful Horacio Sala told the press in Progreso, where the player's family lives, that as "the hours go by and I don't know anything, it makes me fear the worst". "I don't know anything. Nobody spoke to me, not a call from the embassy, the club, nobody," he said. "All I want is for you to find him." The player's mother, Mercedes, claimed in an interview with Argentine television channel C5N that the plane belonged to Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman. Sala, who had been at Nantes since 2015 and had scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with relegation-threatened Cardiff subject to receiving international clearance. "We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing. We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team," the Premier League club's executive director Ken Choo said in a statement. "We continue to pray for positive news." Argentine football legend Diego Maradona expressed sadness but said he was hoping the plane had simply gone astray. "I hope it went to the wrong airport and we find him alive, that's all," he said in an audio message on the Instagram account of journalist Martin Arevalo. "It's a terrible misfortune when such things happen." Cardiff called off a training session planned for Tuesday, and stunned supporters gathered outside the club's ground to lay flowers and scarves. With his former teammates in shock, Nantes had their French Cup tie against third-tier side Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien postponed from Wednesday until Sunday. Fans hold vigil Meanwhile, hundreds of fans of his former team gathered for a vigil in the western French city on Tuesday evening, placing flowers, scarves and flags on the water fountain and chanting the striker's name at Place Royale. "I still have hope, he is a fighter," said Nantes president Waldemar Kita in a tweet published by the Ligue 1 club. When he put pen to paper at relegation-threatened Cardiff on Saturday, Sala, who also has Italian nationality, said in a statement: "I'm very happy to be here. It gives me great pleasure and I can't wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and get down to work. "For me it feels special (to be the club's record signing). I have come here wanting to work and to help my team-mates and the club." Sala's last post on Instagram showed him surrounded by players from Nantes. "La ultima ciao (the last goodbye)," he wrote. Sala began his footballing career at French club Bordeaux, who he joined in 2010, and had loan spells at other French clubs including Orleans, Niort and Caen. He joined Nantes in 2015 for one million euros and had scored 42 Ligue 1 goals in three and a half seasons at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

'Dad, I'm so scared,' Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala said in final audio message before his plane went missing

Premier League club Cardiff City's record new signing, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/plane-carrying-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-goes-missing-191987">Emiliano Sala</a>, is missing presumed dead after a light aircraft he was travelling in disappeared over the English Channel, with a search to find the plane being called off on Tuesday.

The Argentine striker, signed on Saturday from French club Nantes for a reported fee of 17 million euros ($19.3 million), was flying to Cardiff aboard the plane that disappeared from radars around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the island of Guernsey on Monday night.

The search continued throughout Tuesday before being suspended for the night, with police on the British island warning that survival chances were "slim" if the aircraft landed on water.

A 15-hour search covering a 1,155 square-mile (3,000 square-kilometre) area in the Channel spotted "a number of floating objects in the water", Guernsey police added.

"We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim."

French civil aviation authorities had confirmed that 28-year-old Sala "was on board the plane". It is thought there was one other passenger on the aircraft.

Police on Guernsey, which sits just off the north coast of France, said the pilot had requested to lower his altitude shortly before air traffic control in neighbouring Jersey lost contact with the plane.&nbsp;

'Fearing the worst'

One of the rescuers searching for the missing plane earlier admitted they were "fearing the worst", thoughts echoed by Sala's father Horacio.

"Sadly we are fearing the worst...the sea temperature is so cold at the moment," John Fitzgerald, Chief Officer of Channel Islands Air Search, told AFP.

A tearful Horacio Sala told the press in Progreso, where the player's family lives, that as "the hours go by and I don't know anything, it makes me fear the worst".

"I don't know anything. Nobody spoke to me, not a call from the embassy, the club, nobody," he said. "All I want is for you to find him."

The player's mother, Mercedes, claimed in an interview with Argentine television channel C5N that the plane belonged to the Cardiff chairman, Mehmet Dalman.

Sala, who had been at Nantes since 2015 and had scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with relegation-threatened Cardiff subject to receiving international clearance.

"We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing. We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team," the Premier League club's executive director Ken Choo said in a statement.

"We continue to pray for positive news."

Cardiff called off a training session planned for Tuesday morning, and stunned supporters gathered outside the club's ground to lay flowers and scarves.

With his former teammates in shock, Nantes had their French Cup tie against third-tier side Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien postponed from Wednesday until Sunday.

Fans hold vigil&nbsp;

Meanwhile, hundreds of fans of his former team gathered for a vigil in the western French city on Tuesday evening, placing flowers, scarves and flags on the water fountain and chanting the striker's name at Place Royale.

"I still have hope, he is a fighter," said Nantes president Waldemar Kita in a tweet published by the Ligue 1 club.

When he put pen to paper at relegation-threatened Cardiff on Saturday, Sala, who also has Italian nationality, said in a statement: "I'm very happy to be here. It gives me great pleasure and I can't wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and get down to work.

"For me it feels special (to be the club's record signing). I have come here wanting to work and to help my team-mates and the club."

Sala's last post on Instagram showed him surrounded by players from Nantes. "La ultima ciao (the last goodbye)," he wrote.

The accident, if confirmed, comes only three months after Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the Thai billionaire owner of Leicester City, died in a helicopter crash that shocked the club and supporters around the world.

Sala began his footballing career at French club Bordeaux, who he joined in 2010, and had loan spells at other French clubs including Orleans, Niort and Caen.

He joined Nantes in 2015 for one million euros and had scored 42 Ligue 1 goals in three and a half seasons at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Premier League club Cardiff City's record new signing, Emiliano Sala, is missing presumed dead after a light aircraft he was travelling in disappeared over the English Channel, with a search to find the plane being called off on Tuesday.

Premier League club Cardiff City's record new signing, Emiliano Sala, is missing presumed dead after a light aircraft he was travelling in disappeared over the English Channel, with a search to find the plane being called off on Tuesday. The Argentine striker, signed on Saturday from French club Nantes for a reported fee of 17 million euros ($19.3 million), was flying to Cardiff aboard the plane that disappeared from radars around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of the island of Guernsey on Monday night. The search continued throughout Tuesday before being suspended for the night, with police on the British island warning that survival chances were "slim" if the aircraft landed on water. A 15-hour search covering a 1,155 square-mile (3,000 square-kilometre) area in the Channel spotted "a number of floating objects in the water", Guernsey police added. "We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim." French civil aviation authorities had confirmed that 28-year-old Sala "was on board the plane". It is thought there was one other passenger on the aircraft. Police on Guernsey, which sits just off the north coast of France, said the pilot had requested to lower his altitude shortly before air traffic control in neighbouring Jersey lost contact with the plane. 'Fearing the worst' One of the rescuers searching for the missing plane earlier admitted they were "fearing the worst", thoughts echoed by Sala's father Horacio. "Sadly we are fearing the worst...the sea temperature is so cold at the moment," John Fitzgerald, Chief Officer of Channel Islands Air Search, told AFP. A tearful Horacio Sala told the press in Progreso, where the player's family lives, that as "the hours go by and I don't know anything, it makes me fear the worst". "I don't know anything. Nobody spoke to me, not a call from the embassy, the club, nobody," he said. "All I want is for you to find him." The player's mother, Mercedes, claimed in an interview with Argentine television channel C5N that the plane belonged to the Cardiff chairman, Mehmet Dalman. Sala, who had been at Nantes since 2015 and had scored 13 goals in all competitions this season, had signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with relegation-threatened Cardiff subject to receiving international clearance. "We were very shocked upon hearing the news that the plane had gone missing. We expected Emiliano to arrive last night into Cardiff and today was due to be his first day with the team," the Premier League club's executive director Ken Choo said in a statement. "We continue to pray for positive news." Cardiff called off a training session planned for Tuesday morning, and stunned supporters gathered outside the club's ground to lay flowers and scarves. With his former teammates in shock, Nantes had their French Cup tie against third-tier side Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien postponed from Wednesday until Sunday. Fans hold vigil Meanwhile, hundreds of fans of his former team gathered for a vigil in the western French city on Tuesday evening, placing flowers, scarves and flags on the water fountain and chanting the striker's name at Place Royale. "I still have hope, he is a fighter," said Nantes president Waldemar Kita in a tweet published by the Ligue 1 club. When he put pen to paper at relegation-threatened Cardiff on Saturday, Sala, who also has Italian nationality, said in a statement: "I'm very happy to be here. It gives me great pleasure and I can't wait to start training, meet my new team-mates and get down to work. "For me it feels special (to be the club's record signing). I have come here wanting to work and to help my team-mates and the club." Sala's last post on Instagram showed him surrounded by players from Nantes. "La ultima ciao (the last goodbye)," he wrote. The accident, if confirmed, comes only three months after Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the Thai billionaire owner of Leicester City, died in a helicopter crash that shocked the club and supporters around the world. Sala began his footballing career at French club Bordeaux, who he joined in 2010, and had loan spells at other French clubs including Orleans, Niort and Caen. He joined Nantes in 2015 for one million euros and had scored 42 Ligue 1 goals in three and a half seasons at the Stade de la Beaujoire.

Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala feared dead after suspected plane crash

Cardiff City's record signing striker Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that went missing over the English Channel late on Monday.

Following are facts about Sala, who joined the Premier League side from Nantes this week in a deal British media reported was worth about 17 million euros ($19.3 million):

- Born Emiliano Raul Sala Taffarel in Argentina`s Santa Fe Province on October 31, 1990

- Began his playing career as a youth at Argentinian side Club Proyecto Crecer, before heading to France where he signed for Girondins de Bordeaux

- The striker made his debut for the club in 2012 before going on loan to French sides Chamois Niortais and Caen

- He joined Nantes in 2015 and has scored 42 goals for the French Ligue 1 side so far

- Sala had scored 12 goals this season in France`s Ligue 1 to rank fifth among top scorers behind Kylian Mbappe (17), Edinson Cavani (14), Neymar Jr and Nicolas Pepe (13)

Cardiff City's record signing striker Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that went missing over the English Channel late on Monday. Following are facts about Sala, who joined the Premier League side from Nantes this week in a deal British media reported was worth about 17 million euros ($19.

Cardiff City's record signing striker Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that went missing over the English Channel late on Monday. Following are facts about Sala, who joined the Premier League side from Nantes this week in a deal British media reported was worth about 17 million euros ($19.3 million): - Born Emiliano Raul Sala Taffarel in Argentina`s Santa Fe Province on October 31, 1990 - Began his playing career as a youth at Argentinian side Club Proyecto Crecer, before heading to France where he signed for Girondins de Bordeaux - The striker made his debut for the club in 2012 before going on loan to French sides Chamois Niortais and Caen - He joined Nantes in 2015 and has scored 42 goals for the French Ligue 1 side so far - Sala had scored 12 goals this season in France`s Ligue 1 to rank fifth among top scorers behind Kylian Mbappe (17), Edinson Cavani (14), Neymar Jr and Nicolas Pepe (13)

Factbox: Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala

Cardiff City soccer player Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that lost radar contact over the English channel late on Monday, French police sources said.

British and French coastguards scoured the seas off Guernsey on Tuesday for the single-engine plane after it went missing on its way from Nantes in western France to the Welsh city of Cardiff.

The 28-year-old Argentine forward joined Premier League strugglers Cardiff City from FC Nantes last week for a club record fee of around 17 million euros ($19.32 million). He had played in France since 2012.

Local coastguards were alerted by air traffic control at 20:23 GMT that an aircraft with two people on board had gone missing. Lifeboats and helicopters were sent out but the search was suspended four hours later as weather conditions worsened.

Search teams resumed work on Tuesday morning.

"At this time no trace of the missing aircraft had been found," Guernsey police said.

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It is understood that new Cardiff City signing Emiliano Sala was on the plane that has disappeared while flying over the English Channel <a href="https://t.co/DpomjAbxZQ">https://t.co/DpomjAbxZQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/dLfKXo1Wfl">pic.twitter.com/dLfKXo1Wfl</a>
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FC Nantes and Cardiff city officials did not immediately comment.

Sala had scored 12 league goals in 19 appearances for Nantes in France's Ligue 1 this season before switching this week to Cardiff.

Cardiff City soccer player Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that lost radar contact over the English channel late on Monday, French police sources said.

Cardiff City soccer player Emiliano Sala was on board a light aircraft that lost radar contact over the English channel late on Monday, French police sources said. British and French coastguards scoured the seas off Guernsey on Tuesday for the single-engine plane after it went missing on its way from Nantes in western France to the Welsh city of Cardiff. The 28-year-old Argentine forward joined Premier League strugglers Cardiff City from FC Nantes last week for a club record fee of around 17 million euros ($19.32 million). He had played in France since 2012. Local coastguards were alerted by air traffic control at 20:23 GMT that an aircraft with two people on board had gone missing. Lifeboats and helicopters were sent out but the search was suspended four hours later as weather conditions worsened. Search teams resumed work on Tuesday morning. "At this time no trace of the missing aircraft had been found," Guernsey police said. It is understood that new Cardiff City signing Emiliano Sala was on the plane that has disappeared while flying over the English Channel https://t.co/DpomjAbxZQ pic.twitter.com/dLfKXo1Wfl — Cardiff City Online (@CardiffCityLive) January 22, 2019 × FC Nantes and Cardiff city officials did not immediately comment. Sala had scored 12 league goals in 19 appearances for Nantes in France's Ligue 1 this season before switching this week to Cardiff.

Plane carrying Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala goes missing over English Channel

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Factbox: Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala

Plane carrying Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala goes missing over English Channel