Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo joins calls for Emiliano Sala search to resume

Cardiff City have joined Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona in calling for the search to be resumed for the plane carrying their missing striker Emiliano Sala.

Guernsey Police said on Thursday afternoon the search for Sala and pilot David Ibbotson had been called off, prompting calls from across football for it to be resumed.

Messi and Maradona both posted social media messages in support of the cause to find their fellow Argentine, before Cardiff – who signed Sala from Nantes last Friday – urged the authorities to resume the search for the missing plane and its occupants.

Argentina’s president Mauricio Macri has also told his foreign minister to issue formal requests to Britain and France for search efforts to be resumed, according to a statement from the premier’s office on Friday.

“We still hope that the search mission can continue and we could locate Emiliano,” Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo said outside the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday as he and other club staff laid flowers where tributes to Sala have been placed.

“After the news yesterday that the search had been called off, I think it’s right for the staff and all of us to lay some flowers and do some prayers for his safe return.”

Cardiff signed 28-year-old Sala for a club-record fee to bolster their attack and he had been due to start training on Tuesday.

Messi, writing on his Instagram story, said: “As long as there are still possibilities, a hint of hope, we ask you please continue to look for Emiliano. I send all my strength and support to his family and friends. #PrayforSala.”

Maradona, also posted on Instagram pleading for the search to continue, with the message: “Hope never dies”.

Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero, used the social media hashtag #NoDejenDeBuscar – “do not stop searching”.

Nantes reacted with anger at the decision to formally call off the search for Sala’s missing plane.

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic said: “For me, it’s a disgrace to stop like this. It’s an obligation these people have.

“It’s a total disgrace. You can’t leave it this way. To stop like this is unbearable and unacceptable. Can you imagine the family?”

Sala’s sister again begged rescue workers to keep looking for the missing plane. Romina Sala told reporters in Cardiff on Friday that she feels her brother and his pilot are still alive. She also thanked the Argentine players for their support.

“It’s unbelievable the way they have reacted,” she said. “We are asking please don’t stop with the effort because altogether we will find a way to restart the search and we find Emiliano.”

Guernsey’s harbour master Captain David Barker acknowledged Sala’s family were “not content” with the decision to stop actively searching, but said he was “absolutely confident” no more could have been done and that UK coastguard protocols were followed.

He said he hoped the families of the missing pair found some comfort in the incident remaining open, despite searches ceasing.

(c) Sky News 2019: Cardiff chief executive Ken Choo joins calls for Emiliano Sala search to resume