A report commissioned by the Professional Footballers Association has revealed the shock numbers of players using snus or nicotine pouches.
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Top-level players increasingly using nicotine productsSnus often used to cope with stress and relaxMore than half of users want to quitWHAT HAPPENED?
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 . 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.
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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.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
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.”
Getty/GOALDID YOU KNOW?
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 host described how he was sick, suffered from sweats and endured "seven hours of absolute torture."