FifPro want urgent inquiry after three players injected with unidentified substance quit with heart problems

At least four top-tier clubs in Cyprus have been giving the medical treatment to their players - three of whom have been forced to quit

Three players in Cyprus have retired with heart issues after receiving injections of unknown substances (Getty)

World footballers' union FifPro has called for an urgent inquiry into medical treatment given to players at several top-tier clubs in Cyprus.

The demand follows reports in the Cypriot media that at least four clubs have been giving injections of unidentified substances to players and three players have been forced to quit the game with serious heart problems.

In a statement, the union said: "Because of concerns there is a link between the unidentified substances and the serious heart condition of the three players, FifPro is calling for football authorities to help identify what was administered to them and to establish if their teammates are in danger."

FifPro said it has written to the Cyprus Football Association, the Cyprus Sports Organisation and European football's governing body Uefa to express its concern and ask for immediate assistance.

The union, which represents more than 60,000 players worldwide, added that it believes the substances have been administered by club doctors to aid recovery and it has been going on since the start of last season.

The three players who have quit football on medical advice are being supported by FifPro and the Cypriot players union but there are concerns about players who have left the clubs in question to continue their careers elsewhere, including some who have moved abroad.

PA