Former Arsenal players Alex Song and Johan Djorou among nine players who were surprisingly sacked by Swiss Super League side FC Sion.
They were reportedly refused to sign an agreement for a wage cut during the coronavirus crisis.
The other eight players are Patjim Kasami, Xavier Kouassi, Seydou Doumbia, Ermir Lenjani, Mickael Facchinetti, Christian Zock and Birama Ndoye.
Swiss league among the earliest to suspend indefinitely beginning 1 March after the government banned gatherings of more than 1,000 people.
Sion are eighth in the 10-team league, four points clear of the drop zone.