Britain's anti-doping authorities are in talks with the Football Association and the Professional Footballers' Association about implementing a new system for out-of-competition drugs tests for elite players. The discussions have been difficult, with disagreements over where and when tests will take place, the number of players tested, and what drugs are targeted.
From 1 January, the World Anti-Doping Agency's updated code will impose a two-year ban for offences such as the one that earned Rio Ferdinand an eight-month suspension in 2003. The new rules require athletes to provide testers with a time and place they can be found for one hour a day, five days a week, 52 weeks a year.
Currently, footballers are only tested after matches or during occasional training visits, leaving a gap during the off-season when players are often abroad on holiday. The proposed system would require top players to register their whereabouts year-round, similar to Olympic athletes.
The Professional Footballers' Association has expressed concerns but a senior source indicated a willingness to discuss the matter properly. The talks are expected to continue in December with the players' union.
