Footballers warned against snus use as PFA admit 'concern' over stars' tobacco habit

The use of snus is causing a "high level of concern" within elite football.

Many SPFL stars and staff are believed to use the substance which is is designed to be a stimulant but also as a replacement for cigarettes, with substitutes often use it before coming on. Former England striker Jamie Vardy is among those to have been pictured with snus during a match and now The Professional Footballers’ Association are backing a 12 month study into the growing use of the smokeless nicotine product throughout all levels of the game. The PFA is currently inviting its members to participate in a study led by Loughborough University. This study involves player interviews and the creation of surveys.

Despite snus' popularity within the football community, it comes at one's own health risk as as it has been linked to heart conditions, oral disease and decreased performance. Many Premier League club's have been pretty transparent with their players including creating presentations warning them of the negative impact and urging them to stop using it immediately.

Dr Daniel Read, lead researcher from the Institute for Sport Business at Loughborough University London, said: “There is a high level of concern in the football community about players using Snus and the potential impact this may have on their welfare. Through this project with the PFA, we hope to learn more from the players’ perspective to better support their physical and mental wellbeing.”

The findings won't be conclusive until the end of the year and Dr Michael Bennett, the PFA’s Director of Player Wellbeing, is eager to continue making players aware of the negative effects the substance can bring. He said: “Through our conversations with players and their clubs we are