Emiliano Sala: Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over death of striker

Emiliano Sala was tragically killed in a plane crash after signing for Cardiff City [Courtesy]

A man has reportedly been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act over the death of Emiliano Sala.

The Cardiff City striker was killed when involved in a plane crash days after securing a club-record £15m transfer from Nantes in January.

Dorset Police have now confirmed a 64-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday as investigations into his death continue.

They confirmed the man, from North Yorkshire, has been questioned by detectives.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: "We have carried out a wide-ranging investigation into the circumstances of the death of Mr Sala and continue to work with partner agencies including the Civil Aviation Authority.

“As part of this investigation we have to consider whether there is any evidence of any suspected criminality and as a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act.

Sala was a club-record signing from Nantes in a deal worth around £15m [Courtesy]

“He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.

"This matter, therefore, is still subject to a live investigation and I would ask the media and members of the public to refrain from speculation, as this could cause additional distress to the families involved as well as potentially hinder the investigation.

"As is standard practice, we will not be releasing any further information as to the identity of the individual who has been arrested unless that person is charged to appear in court and again would discourage any speculation in relation to this."

Sala, 28, died when the Piper Malibu aircraft he was flying in crashed into the English Channel on January 21.

After a lengthy search by detectives, his body was discovered in February and brought to Portland Port, from which point Dorset Police have been carrying out enquiries into the circumstances of his death on behalf of HM Coroner.

Family liaison officers have been updating the families of Mr Sala and David Ibbotson, the pilot of the plane that lost contact with Air Traffic Control north of Guernsey.

The body of Ibbotson, 59, has not been found.

Sala's father, Horacio, tragically passed away of a heart attack last month [Courtesy]

Sala's father, Horacio, tragically passed away of a sudden heart attack in Argentina last month.

It is understood there is still a dispute ongoing between Cardiff City and Nantes over the payment of the fee for his transfer to the Bluebirds.