BRISBANE Lions legend Michael Voss has lashed out at the AFL, labelling as "a joke" the League's trading ultimatum to the Sydney Swans. 

 The AFL has told the Swans they cannot trade players into their club in the next two years unless they bring an immediate end to the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA). 

Voss was clearly outraged by the AFL's decision and tweeted his dismay at the Swans' trade ban. 

"Debate COLA if you like but to penalise the Sydney Swans from trading is a joke!" Voss tweeted. 

"The Swans operated within the rules given to them by the very group that is penalising them. What are they guilty of breaching?" 

Following AFL Commission discussions last month, the League wrote to the Swans and told them should they choose to pursue free agents, or trade a player in, COLA payments would cease immediately. 

 As it stands, COLA will be phased out and replaced in 2017 by a rent subsidy scheme.However, Greater Western Sydney - which also benefits from COLA - will not be under the same restrictions for 2015 and 2016. 

 Voss' sarcasm was obvious when referring to the high-price signing of Swans spearhead Lance Franklin.