The GPA have described the sanctioning of five rule changes for the 2019 Allianz Football League as "unacceptable" amid a swell of opposition from players.

Chief Executive Paul Flynn is seeking an "urgent" meeting with the GAA to have some, if not all, of the changes abandoned ahead of the spring campaign. 

The GPA believe the rules should be trialled in pre-season competitions rather than the league, given its greater status and importance.

New experimental rule changes will be in place for the 2019 Allianz Football League after the GAA's Central Council on Saturday sanctioned new guidelines in relation to kickouts, sideline kicks, handpassing, a 'sin bin' and the mark.

GPA president Seamus Hickey represented the players body at that meeting.

Documents seen by RTÉ Sport reveal that in a player survey conducted by the GPA, 96% are against the restricted use of the handpass (only three in succession allowed before the ball must be kicked) and 63% are against the sideline kick proposal (that they must go forward, except when taken from inside the opposition's 20-metre line).

While 54% are in favour of the mark and 63% support the sin bin, it's the overall concerns about the timing of the trials that has pressed the GPA into action. 

They are frustrated that the players' opinions have not been considered, with Flynn writing to the GAA on Monday morning to request a meeting likely to take place this week.

A GAA spokesperson told RTÉ Sport the Association would respond to the players body, but would not being making a public comment at this time.