PA:
The Manchester United manager has long held the belief United were being unfairly restricted by the FA regulations, which prevent any club from bringing players to their academy who lived outside the radius of a 90-minute drive from their home ground.
It means United fans living in London and the south-east or Cardiff and the south-west are excluded from training with their favourite club unless they relocate to the north-west.
The Red Devils have tried to get round the system by extending their scouting operation and bringing in highly-rated youngsters such as Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique from the European mainland.
But, as he promoted the annual Under-15 Manchester United Premier Cup, Ferguson has again outlined his opposition to the FA's current rules.
"The academy is a handicap to us," said Ferguson.
"The 90-minute rule is the most ridiculous rule I have ever known. Ninety minutes could be five miles up the road.
"I would have thought it was illegal to deny a young boy the chance to come to a club like Manchester United but it is something we can do nothing about."