Problems linking to friends Cross platform

I have been playing my friends on FC25 for ages, they have Xbox X series I have a PS5.  I have enabled cross play, but now with FC26 i can see them but I cannot link to them.  Icon tells me it is not possible.   But according to guidelines I should be able to.

Is anyone else having similar problems?  And ideas how to solve this please?

My attempts to get help from EA sports is sending me round in circles, not getting anywhere.  And where is the live link for help!!! No sign of it!!