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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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