The problems of smoking for a professional football player include reduced lung capacity and cardiovascular performance, muscle fatigue, increased risk of injuries, respiratory issues, decreased recovery capacity, and a negative impact on concentration and coordination. To avoid these harmful effects, many players are opting for snus and nicotine pouches. These options allow them to maintain optimal performance and prolong their professional careers. This situation has led sports authorities to commission a scientific study.
Using snus or nicotine pouches is a new trend among professional players. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) and Loughborough University have published findings from a pioneering study on snus use in professional football. This is the first study on this smokeless nicotine product and its specific use in football.
Last year, the PFA commissioned Loughborough University to explore the use of snus and its perceived effects on health and performance among professional footballers. In total, 628 men and 51 women were surveyed, and interviews were conducted with 16 medical and performance staff members from men’s football clubs and academies.
According to the study results, 18% of the male players and 22% of the female players surveyed use snus or nicotine pouches. Additionally, 42% of the men and 39% of the women have tried the substance at least once. More than half of the current users in men’s football indicated that they want to quit using it in the next 12 months.
Although most players used legal nicotine pouches without tobacco instead of tobacco snus, they often referred to both products as snus. Players reported using these products mainly socially to relax and spend time with their teammates, especially after training sessions, matches, and on their days off. Club staff indicated that players resorted to snus to “unwind” from the adrenaline of a night game.
According to the study, among the players who used the substance, many reported symptoms of nicotine dependence: 53% in men’s football and 73% in women’s football. The most common withdrawal symptoms noted in both samples were anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.
Most players in both samples reported not having received any education about the use of snus (58% in men, 86% in women), highlighting a lack of awareness among players about the substance’s impact and health implications. Some reported nausea, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
Study Insights
Dr. Michael Bennett, Director of Player Welfare at the PFA, commented on the importance of the study: “This is important work that will help players, clubs, and medical staff make informed decisions about the use of snus. We have been aware that the use of snus is becoming more prevalent in locker rooms across the country, but until now, its use in professional football had not been formally explored.”
Dr. Daniel Read, the lead researcher and professor at the Institute of Sport Business at Loughborough University, noted: “There has been growing interest in the use of snus in English football, and this project was a good opportunity to understand better how common its use is, as well as the experiences of staff and players.”
The study revealed that the use of snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches among professional footballers is higher than typically seen in the general UK population. Players often use these products to relax and manage stress.
The study provides a starting point to help players make an informed decision about their use. It offers initial guidance for clubs and football organizations on supporting players looking to reduce or quit their use. The study’s findings will be used to inform the PFA’s welfare and protection programs and facilitate knowledge sharing with clubs and medical teams about the use of snus in football.
An Alternative to the Problems of Smoking
The immediate consequences of smoking can significantly affect the performance of a professional football player. One of the most evident effects is the reduction of lung capacity. Smoking damages the lungs and decreases lung capacity, directly affecting endurance and physical performance during training and matches. A player who smokes will struggle to maintain the same intensity level as their non-smoking teammates, which can translate into inferior performance on the field.
Additionally, smoking affects cardiovascular performance. Smoking increases heart rate and blood pressure, lowering cardiovascular efficiency and slower recovery after exercise. This decrease in cardiovascular system efficiency can make a player feel fatigued more quickly and need more time to recover between training sessions and matches.
Muscle fatigue is another immediate problem faced by a smoking football player. The reduction in muscle oxygenation caused by smoking can lead to greater muscle fatigue, reducing the player’s ability to maintain a high level of performance throughout the match. Additionally, the risk of injuries increases, as smoking can affect blood circulation and tissue recovery, delaying injury recovery and increasing susceptibility to them.
Respiratory problems are common among smokers, and in high-performance athletes who smoke, they can be even more critical. Smoking can cause bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases that make breathing difficult and limit physical exertion capacity. For a football player, this difficulty in breathing can be a significant obstacle to maintaining the intensity and pace needed during a match.
Recovery capacity is also compromised in players who smoke. Smoking affects the immune system, which can lead to slower recovery from illnesses and injuries, as well as a higher risk of respiratory infections. A weakened immune system can keep players out of the game longer, affecting their consistency and overall performance.
As a lower-risk and harmful alternative, football players who want to consume nicotine seem to consider the use of snus and nicotine pouches. Snus is a moist tobacco product placed under the upper lip, while nicotine pouches are small sachets that contain nicotine but no tobacco and are placed similarly. These options eliminate the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on the lungs and cardiovascular system, which can help maintain lung capacity and cardiovascular efficiency. Additionally, these alternatives do not affect muscle oxygenation or tissue recovery in the same way smoking does, which can reduce muscle fatigue and injury risk.