PFA opposed to new drug-test plans

On Tuesday the FA announced plans to extend the game's anti-doping regulation which currently sees two random players tested after every match. The new policy is designed to bring the rules for footballers in line with those of Olympic athletes, with a group of 30 players will be tested up to five times a year in addition to the post-match tests.

Players could also be tested at home, a prospect which has concerned Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Taylor. "We feel that to invade the privacy of a player's home would be a step too far," Taylor said.

"If we complain about anything to do with drug-testing then people think we might have something to hide, but football's record is extremely good and there has been a virtual absence of any performance-enhancing drugs, and that goes back decades.

"We do appreciate that football is a major spectator sport and we wish to co-operate, but football should not be treated in the same way as individual sports that do have a problem with drugs, such as athletics, cycling and weightlifting."

One of the most controversial parts of the new plan is to get players to reveal their location for one hour per day every day of the year, regardless of whether they are playing or not.

Andy Parkinson, UK Sport's head of operations for a drug-free sport, insisted the introduction of the new rules would be a good move for the game.

"Players have licence to take anything they want in the summer as they disappear off our radar," he said.

"I'm not arguing they do take things - but when England didn't qualify for the last European Championships, they didn't reappear until six weeks later before pre-season training. They could have done anything.

"Under this, they could be in Barbados and we can still test them. We are not evil regulators out to make life difficult for footballers. We're trying to protect their sport."