Taylor to fight 'draconian' anti-drugs rules

Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has criticised anti-drug legislation which allows players to be tested in their own homes.

British Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Sport England have backed the stance taken by football’s world governing body FIFA and the International Olympic Committee.

Under new measures, drugs testers can arrive unannounced at a player’s home and demand a specimen for testing. Anyone breaching drugs rules faces a minimum, mandatory two-year ban.

Taylor called the measures “draconian” and believes football is a special case when it comes to drugs tests.

He favours rehabilitation rather than blanket bans for those who break the rules, and claims to have the backing of the Football Association.

“Dope testing at home might be applicable for some athletes and sports but not for football,” Taylor told The Sunday Express.

“Footballers see the training ground as their place of work and we are happy with the testing to take place there and after games.

“The player does not know when the testing will occur and it is unnecessary to go to the player’s home.

“This new code of practice is being introduced around the world but football has often been a special case.

“We shall be involved in talks with the FA, who are supporting us. Our record does not justify such draconian rules.

“There is certainly not enough scope to put players back on track. We want to retain rehabilitation rather than impose blanket bans.

“The problem is that FIFA have adopted these new measures and the Sports Minister and Sport England are also backing them.”