Celine Jones, of Capital Law, said: “We deeply regret that the court didn’t recognise FC Nantes’ liability in this tragedy.

“We initiated these proceedings so that the full truth of this case would come to light in respect of Emiliano Sala’s memory.

“Today we note with great bitterness that the principles of transparency, integrity and safety in professional football have not prevailed in this decision.”

Jones added: “There’s not been any justice and I think that’s difficult for the family.

“I can tell the Cardiff fans the club did what it considered was right, it tried as hard as it could to seek justice and has not been successful in obtaining it yet.

“More than ever there is an urgent need to strengthen safety in and ethical standards in the management and the protection of players so a tragedy never ever happens again. The world of football needs to take a hard look at itself.”

Sala’s mother, Mercedes Taffarel, was in court with Cardiff City representatives to hear the verdict.

In a joint statement, FC Nantes’ attorneys Jérome Marsaudon and Louis Marie Absil said they welcomed the court’s decision.

“FC Nantes is in no way responsible for the tragedy that occurred, and we are pleased that the court has heard our case and confirmed this in very clear terms,” they said.