Body pulled from plane wreckage formally identified as Emiliano Sala

The body of Argentina-born professional soccer player Emiliano Sala has been formally identified after it was brought to Portland Port, UK police said.

The body of Emiliano Sala has been formally identified. Source: Reuters

A body recovered from a plane which crashed in the English Channel has been formally identified as Cardiff striker Emiliano Sala.

Dorset Police said the families of Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson had been informed.

Authorities recovered a body from the wreckage of the plane carrying Cardiff City footballer Emiliano Sala and pilot David Ibbotson. Source: AAP

In a statement on Thursday night, police said: "The families of Mr Sala and the pilot David Ibbotson have been updated with this news and will continue to be supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.

"HM Coroner will continue to investigate the circumstances of this death supported by Dorset Police."

Sala, who had just signed with English Premier League club Cardiff, and pilot David Ibbotson were the only people onboard the small aircraft that disappeared over the English Channel last month.

Investigators have not been able to recover the aircraft, which was flying from Nantes to Cardiff after Sala transferred from the French city's team.

Fans are mourning the death of star player Emiliano Sala. Source: AAP