Ben Foster explains how doping tests work in football and the strict rules every player must follow

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has explained how doping tests work and just how strict the process is.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba was recently hit with a four-year ban after an initial sample taken after a game against Udinese showed DHEA was found in his system.

The substance can raise levels of testosterone - a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.

In response to the news, Ex England shotstopper Foster elected to provide insight into drugs tests in football.

Foster had a 22-year career in the professional game before retiring for a second time after a brief spell back in Wrexham.

And on his Cycling GK podcast, the 40-year-old went into detail on just how random drugs test can be and the way in which he works.

"Drug testing in football happens all the time," Foster explained.

"You could not get tested randomly per season or you could get tested five of six times. It's as simple as that.

"You get done at the beginning of the season and halfway through the season by your clubs and you are told what you can and can't take."

There are occasions where players are not at the training ground when summoned for a test.

According to Foster, this has even happened while players are on holiday at the end of the season.

"I would have to tell them my whereabouts in a two-hour window," he continued.

"I have to text this number and say, 'Ben Foster, whatever football club, not in training today - will be at my home address between the hours of 9am and 11am'.

"That's your two-hour window, once that 11am passes you're free to go about your day and do whatever you want.

"This happens all year round. This can happen in the summer. Say you go away on holiday to Ibiza for two weeks. - you can feasibly get tested there.

"Somebody can randomly come and knock on your hotel room. It has happened. That's how stringent they are getting."