FIFA has once again landed in hot water after it was accused of compromising plans to address player welfare issues by consulting with "fake" unions.
World players' union FIFPro said the governing body is "creating Fifa-friendly organisations for consultation processes rather than engaging with the recognised football representative bodies".
Over the weekend, FIFA held a meeting on player welfare in Rabat, Morocco, and did not invite FIFPro, which represents around 66,000 players globally.
Player welfare is a growing issue, with FIFPro taking legal action against FIFA last month, saying the football calendar is so packed that players' health is at risk.
Last year Manchester City midfielder Rodri said players were close to going on strike due to the number of games. He suffered a season-ending knee injury the following week.
The association said its meeting was attended by representatives from 30 national player unions and members of its Players' Voice Panel, an advisory group of ex-players set up by Fifa.
Initiatives announced by FIFA included the creation of a Professional Players Consultation Forum and support for measures to improve player rest and recovery, such as having at least 72 hours of rest between matches and at least 21 days between seasons.
FIFA said it would set up a player welfare fund, but FIFPro noted that such a fund was already established before the governing body scrapped it in 2022.
Maheta Molango, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, which represents players in England and Wales, criticised FIFA's actions.
Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast, Molango expressed his concerns in the governing body's decision to engage with "not recognised unions" instead of "people who have been elected to be the voice of the players".
The Rabat meeting followed a similar meeting on player welfare in New York in July, which FIFPro was not invited to.
