RLIF chief executive David Collier says he has been advised by the Global Association of International Sports Federations that rugby union has played a major role in continuing delays in having the 13-man game recognised.

Fairfax Media's story this week about rugby league missing out to pole dancing, foot golf and kettlebell lifting in its bid to join the family for international sports has led to a fan petition, which was promoted online by the Rugby League European Federation on Wednesday.

Australian captain Cameron Smith and England's Sean O'Loughlin at the launch of the Rugby League World Cup, but the sport is still battling for global recognition. Credit:AAP

Speaking upon his arrival in Melbourne, Rugby League International Federation boss Collier said GAISF wrote to him advising that World Rugby questioned the bona fides of his organisation.

Rather than challenge rugby league's application under the so-called "rivalry clause", rugby union had pointed out the existence of the recently-established World Rugby League, a body put together by a Greek administrator after his federation was suspended from the RLEF due to financial irregularities.