Simon Stone
BBC Sport’s chief football news reporter

World governing body Fifa has been accused of not paying the
final part of agreed sums to players across Europe whose contracts have not
been honoured by their clubs.

Numerous sources across different countries with knowledge
of the situation say while some payments were made, the final one has not.

Many players affected are either unemployed or now retired
and the sums are said to be vital.

The money was due to come out of Fifa’s ‘Fund for Players’,, external
which was set up in 2020. The outstanding payments were due in September 2023.

BBC Sport has seen an email sent to Fifa from one national
union highlighting in excess of 30 named players, stressing the financial
difficulties being faced, with a plea to release the outstanding sums.

In total, 420 players are owed a total of $4m (£3.09m).

Fifa has been approached for comment.

The organisation is currently in dispute with global
players’ union Fifpro over changes to the international match calendar. Fifpro,
which is being backed by the Professional Footballers’ Association, believes
too much is being demanded of players at the elite end of the game which
potentially puts them at risk of greater injury.

Their biggest area of contention is the expanded 32-team
Club World Cup, scheduled for the United States next summer. So far, Fifa has
failed to negotiate television contracts for the event and confirm the
prizemoney involved.