Sir Alex Ferguson has become the first leading manager to criticise the controversial new anti-doping rules that require footballers to make themselves available for testing even on their days off. The Manchester United manager is behind moves “to drive out any signs of drugs in the game”, but he believes that the Football Association's policy, introduced last month, has created a logistical nightmare for clubs and players.

The rules require clubs to inform testers in advance of every player's whereabouts for at least one hour on days that they are away from the training ground so that random tests can be carried out even if they are on days off or receiving medical treatment away from their clubs.

The Times revealed on Wednesday that Premier League and Football League players have already been trapped by the new ruling, which effectively operates on a “three strikes and you're out” basis that could lead to bans of up to 18 months, even if they are innocent of taking performance-enhancing or recreational drugs. It is similar to the regime that led to a ban for Christine Ohuruogu, who won gold for Britain in the 400 metres at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing.

“The procedures are becoming a real nuisance to us,” Ferguson said. “If you give a player a day off, you have to notify the FA and tell them where he will be for one hour during his day off. You know what young people are like. They might forget and, in that hour, the testers can turn up. I can also tell the FA that it will cost them an absolute fortune to implement all of this.”

Rio Ferdinand, the United and England defender, who was banned for eight months for missing a drugs test in 2003, has no such concerns. “I think it sounds fair,” Ferdinand said. “If it brings us up to the level of other sports, then I'm in favour. It's good.”

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