FIFA is opening a special transfer window for foreign players stranded in Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine. But the players’ union Fifpro said allowing players to suspend contracts did not go far enough and that they should be able to terminate deals.

Clubs in other countries will be allowed to sign up to two players who had been at clubs in Russia or Ukraine outside of the normal transfer window periods.

FIFPRO and the organisation representing the world’s soccer leagues – the World Leagues Forum – sought permission for Russia-based players to terminate their contracts.

But they were told by FIFA that players and coaches ‘will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the (Football Union of) Russia-affiliated clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia,’ which is June 30.

Global players’ union FIFPRO criticized the FIFA decision as ‘too timid.’

‘It will be hard for players to find employment for the remainder of the season with uncertainty looming over them and, within a few weeks, they will be in a very difficult situation once again,’ the Netherlands-based union said in a statement.

There are hundreds of foreign players in Russia who would typically not be able to leave their clubs or sign for new ones outside the two transfer trading periods in the year.