World football governing body FIFA is facing accusations of failing to meet its contractual obligations, as it has been revealed that the organization has not completed the final payments owed to numerous players across Europe. These payments, part of the FIFA Fund for Players established in 2020, were intended to compensate players whose contracts were not honoured by their clubs.

Sources from multiple countries, who are familiar with the situation, have indicated that while some payments have been made by FIFA, the final installments remain outstanding. Many of the affected players are either unemployed or have since retired, making these sums particularly crucial for their financial well-being.

The final payments, which were scheduled to be disbursed in September 2023, are still pending. According to BBC Sport, an email from one national players’ union, representing over 30 affected players, was sent to FIFA. The email underscored the financial hardships faced by these players and urged the release of the outstanding funds.

A total of 420 players are collectively owed an estimated £3.09 million.

The unpaid sums were supposed to be drawn from FIFA’s Fund for Players, which was specifically created to support footballers whose contracts had been breached or terminated prematurely. The fund was intended to provide financial relief for these players, many of whom are now facing significant economic challenges.

FIFA and FIFPRO Clash Over International Match Calendar

In addition to the payment dispute, FIFA is currently at odds with the global players’ union FIFPRO over changes to the international match calendar. FIFPRO, backed by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), has expressed concerns that players, particularly those at the elite level, are being overworked, increasing their risk of injury.

One of the most contentious points in the ongoing dispute is the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the USA next summer. FIFPRO argues that the additional demands on players in the revised calendar are unsustainable and could have long-term consequences on their physical health.

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