What is Snus - the newest "drug" that is driving football players crazy

Snus is a substance that comes in small pouches and is placed inside the gum to release nicotine into the bloodstream. It is said to relax the user, while stronger variants can create a strange ringing in the ears.

While it is illegal to sell Snus in the UK and European Union countries except Sweden, it is not illegal to use it.

Premier League players 'addicted' to Snus

An investigation by The Athletic has delved into the real problem with snus in English football.

In previous years, we have seen Leicester striker Jamie Vardy carrying the product in small packages. He also wrote about using Snus in his autobiography.

While Vardy has admitted that he has stopped using it, there are many professional footballers who currently do so.

The Athletic highlighted two incidents that were seen on TV screens showing players using Snus during a Premier League match.

Finally, Aston Villa player standing on the dock, Bertrand Traore, appeared to raise his lip and put something in his mouth. The player later denied it was Snus.

Last season, Newcastle's third keeper was sitting in the stands during a Premier League game against Liverpool and was seen doing something similar.

Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford was pictured with a pack of Snus nearby.

Athletic are now reporting that a high-profile English footballer is "completely addicted (to Snus) and is rarely seen without a gum".

Bertrand Traoré il a calé son snus en sous-marin 😭 pic.twitter.com/WkS5at0Uua

— Alm🗣 (@Ali1cinq) February 18, 2023

What has the FA said about Snus?

The PFA plans to warn players about the dangers of Snus this summer ahead of the 2023/24 season.

"Ensuring the health and well-being of our members is central to our work," a PFA spokesman said.

The Newcastle lads on the snus live on BT Sport 😂 pic.twitter.com/nzmT5uEN72

— Sam (@SB1993_) April 30, 2022

"As part of this responsibility, we maintain close relationships with doctors and club staff to monitor new health concerns for our players, such as increasing prevalences of Snus use."

"While Snus is not a banned substance, members will receive clear and accurate information to help them make informed decisions about their health," the spokesperson added. /Telegraph/