THE AFL Players Association has criticised the AFL's decision to stop the Sydney Swans from recruiting new players via trade and free agency for the next two seasons.

The directive to the Sydney Swans was put in place to ensure the club did not acquire players through those avenues until the cost of living allowance (COLA) was phased out at the end of 2016.

The AFLPA said it disagreed with the decision because of the adverse impact it would have on players either wanting to join or leave the Sydney Swans.

Under the new rule, the Swans can only receive draft picks in return for players they trade out and cannot bring in players through a trade or free agency, unless a player is a delisted free agent.

The AFLPA said in a statement the decision was a reaction to concerns around COLA and "an introduction of this new restriction is simply unfair to the club and players".

"The AFL Players’ Association is disappointed by the AFL’s directive, which will prevent the Sydney Swans from recruiting new players through a trade or free agency over the next two years," AFL Players’ Association CEO, Paul Marsh said.

"In our view, the directive has an adverse impact on players, both at Sydney and elsewhere. It will prevent players from going to Sydney through a trade or free agency, and will also make it more difficult for players at Sydney to leave the club through a trade.

"We believe this directive is a reaction to concerns around COLA, and rather than addressing the core issue, an introduction of this new restriction is simply unfair to the club and players.

"The central tenet of free agency is that it enables eligible players to go to a club of their choice, however from next year, those players will not be able to go to Sydney in the next two years. This is fundamentally wrong and unfair on those players who have earned the right to choose where they play.

"The Players’ Association will continue to discuss this matter with the AFL and other stakeholders in the coming days."