Snus a 'coping mechanism' for shock number of professional footballers as PFA publishes results of study including Premier League & WSL players

The PFA commissioned a study into the use of snus that has been carried out by Loughborough University and revealed that almost one in five professional footballers use the product, as reported by The Athletic. A total of 628 male players were surveyed, with 31% of those coming from the Premier League, and 18% were found to currently use snus or nicotine pouches. Over 50% of the users wanted to quit and 53% reported signs of nicotine dependence. There were similar numbers reported from the 51 female WSL players surveyed. A higher figure (22%) reported using snus products, and 73% noted elements of dependence such as irritability, restlessness and cravings.

The survey was conducted amid the growing use of such products in the game and to assess the effects on footballers. Players in the survey revealed they turned to snus and nicotine products to help relax and unwind, particularly after training and late evening matches. The study also revealed that players had reported several negative side-effects from the products including sickness and disrupted sleep.

Director of player wellbeing at the PFA, Dr Michael Bennett, told The Athletic: “This is an important piece of work that will help players, clubs, and medical staff make informed decisions about snus use. We have been aware of snus use becoming more prevalent in dressing rooms across the country, but until now its use in professional football has not been formally explored.

“Importantly, these findings tell us that while a lot of players appear to be looking to substances like snus as a coping mechanism to handle the growing demands of the game, many are not fully aware of its effects and addictive qualities.

“As the players’ union, our primary concern is our members’ welfare. This research will help us ensure that the PFA’s own support services, and those of club medical teams, are grounded in football-specific evidence and tailored to the needs of players.”

Former England star Gary Lineker has revealed how he tried snus for the first time on the eve of Euro 2020 and had a very negative experience. The Match of the Day host described how he was sick, suffered from sweats and endured "seven hours of absolute torture."

The study has revealed the growing prevalence of snus in top-level football among both male and female players and how it is often used to manage stress. Importantly, it also revealed that many players had little education or no knowledge of the health effects of the products, which can make it difficult to quit.