FIFA has come under fire for allegedly failing to pay the final instalments owed to players across Europe whose contracts were not honoured by their clubs.

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According to multiple sources from various countries familiar with the matter, although FIFA made some payments, the last instalment remains unpaid.

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Many of the affected players, now either unemployed or retired, are said to rely heavily on these funds.

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The payments were supposed to be disbursed from FIFA’s Fund for Players, established in 2020, with the outstanding amounts due in September 2023.

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BBC Sport has obtained an email from a national football union addressed to FIFA, listing over 30 affected players and highlighting their financial struggles, urging the release of the owed amounts.

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In total, 420 players are owed a combined sum of £3.09 million.

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This issue arises amid an ongoing dispute between FIFA and the global players' union, FIFPro, over changes to the international match calendar.

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FIFPro, supported by the Professional Footballers' Association, argues that elite players are being overworked, increasing their risk of injury.

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A key point of contention is the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, set to be held in the USA next summer, for which FIFA has yet to negotiate television deals or announce prize money.

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FIFA has been approached for comment but has yet to respond.

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