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According to a recent study, approximately 20% of football professionals are using snus, nicotine pouches without tobacco, or both.
Survey data from both male and female players suggests this figure might be underestimated, as some might not disclose their use.
Snus is a moist smokeless tobacco product placed under the top lip. Proponents claim it aids smoking cessation, but it still has high nicotine content and has been associated with increased risks of cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Connections to oral lesions and cancers have also been documented.
Placement of snus pouches is typically between the upper lip and gum. Pic: iStock
In the UK, adults can use snus, but sales within the country are illegal. Hence, users often purchase it from other countries. Snus differs from nicotine patches by containing tobacco.
Survey responses from 628 male players from the Premier League or EFL indicate 18% use snus or tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Within the Women’s Super League, 22% of the 51 players surveyed report usage.
Mental preparedness is cited as a major benefit by 29% of male participants and 55% of female athletes.
Jamie Vardy of Leicester City has previously mentioned using snus in his 2016 autobiography. Pic: AP
Post-game relaxation was noted by 41% of male and 64% of female players. Jamie Vardy from Leicester City has openly discussed using snus to relax and was seen with it at Euro 2016. He stopped using it due to negative media attention.
In 2021, the then Sunderland head coach, Lee Johnson, compared snus use to consuming several cigarettes simultaneously and highlighted addiction issues among players.
The report from Loughborough University also identified use for appetite suppression and social conformity within teams.
“I have quit twice… find it hard to quit when I’m around it all day,” one player remarked.
‘It’s omnipresent’
A footballer expressed difficulty quitting due to pervasive encounters with snus: “Every other player’s taking it… It’s too easy.”
About half of male players want to quit, while female players mostly don’t intend to stop.
Users experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and cravings when they attempt to quit.
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The study, funded by the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), found that club-level prohibitions have little effect. It emphasizes the need for personalized, confidential support without stigma.
Dr Daniel Read, the author of the report, underscored the regret expressed by players who failed to anticipate the addictive nature of these products, and the consequent challenges in quitting.
He urges players to be candid about their experiences to counter the perception that such use is beneficial.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Snus and Nicotine Pouch Use Among Soccer Players
- What is snus?
- Snus is a smokeless, moist tobacco product that’s used by placing it under the top lip. It contains nicotine and increases the risks of certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
- Is snus legal in the UK?
- While it’s legal for use by adults in the UK, the sale of snus is prohibited, meaning individuals often obtain it from outside the country.
- How prevalent is snus and nicotine pouch use among soccer players?
- A study indicates approximately 20% of professional soccer players use snus or nicotine pouches, with the actual number potentially being higher due to underreporting.
- Why do players use snus or nicotine pouches?
- Players report using snus or nicotine pouches for mental readiness, relaxation benefits after game or training, to suppress appetite, and due to peer influence within teams.
- Are players looking to quit using snus or nicotine pouches?
- About half of the surveyed male soccer players expressed a desire to quit using these products. In contrast, most female players did not plan to give up their use.
