NEWS:THE ENGLISH Professional Footballers' Association have called for Fifa president Sepp Blatter to retract his claim of "modern slavery" in the game.

Manchester United have also taken issue with Blatter after he declared Cristiano Ronaldo should be allowed to leave Old Trafford if he wants.

It is not the first time the Fifa president has made controversial comments - once famously claiming women footballers should wear more revealing kit in an attempt to attract interest.

However, on this occasion, PFA chairman Chris Powell feels the Swiss has gone too far.

Veteran former Charlton and England defender Powell (38) said: "His words have not gone down well with me. There are plenty of players, their families and supporters, people who love the game, who go and watch, spending their hard-earned money week in and week out who will not be happy with Sepp Blatter saying Cristiano Ronaldo is being treated like a slave. He is far from it."

Powell added on Sky Sports News: "I really hope Sepp will retract what he has said and that we can get on with resolving this saga because I am sure Manchester United want it to be.

"Ronaldo is not fit now with his injury and having his operation, but I really hope for our sake, and football's sake, that Ronaldo wears the red again of Manchester United again next season."

The Fifa president's remarks, in a Sky News interview, certainly surprised Champions League winners United.

When Blatter was asked if he felt sympathy for Ronaldo's current position, he said: "Absolutely, absolutely. Definitely as a footballer and the Fifa president, I'm very in sympathy with the player Ronaldo." Blatter added: "I think in football there is too much modern slavery, transferring players or buying players here and there, and putting them somewhere. And we are trying now to intervene in such cases."

Manchester United are adamant Ronaldo will not be leaving, even though the Portugal winger continues to send out mixed messages about his future.

Real Madrid have made no secret of their admiration for Ronaldo, who is currently recovering from ankle surgery after playing in Euro 2008.