A noticeable show of snus in football could result in a blanket ban in the Premier League after it was discovered that it was being used by a torrent of players.
It is also understood that a growing list of players are also making use of the product to better their performances.
There is currently a PFA investigation ongoing with a report to be provided on the use of the product taken by athletes.
These athletes are those who believe nicotine boosts performance and the numbers continue to sprout rapidly.
The investigation currently being carried out could see it either become accepted to be of use in football or banned from use.
Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy and Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles are notable players, who have been linked to the product.
It is believed that players put the products under their top lip or between their toes ahead of matches.
According to reports from The Sun, a source from one of the top-five clubs in England said:
“It is an open secret that snus and nicotine pouches are being used by players on and off the pitch, on the bench and in training and many do not care about this investigation.
“I know the PFA sees a tipping point here and they are in a difficult spot.
“Coaches cannot watch the players all of the time and these are incredibly discreet to use.
“Is the gaffer supposed to check his players' mouths and toes when they put their socks on? It's because of this we could see a blanket ban, rather than the effects of snus.”
England manager, Gareth Southgate, has even in the past weeks expressed his awareness of the drug being used by professional footballers.
Southgate didn't sound like it was wrong for footballers to use it or condemn their use of it.
However, campaigners have reacted fiercely to the way the PFA have handled it, claiming that PFA was “ignoring the science” behind nicotine in sport.
Founder of the campaign group Considerate Pouchers UK, Richard Crosby said:
“The PFA is potentially causing more harm than good by ignoring the science and while Mr Southgate has a view, it appears not to be an informed one.”
He added that snus contains nicotine, a performance-enhancing drug, and as such it shouldn't just be brushed away and looked at from the prism of smoking.
“This is because there is now plenty of evidence to show it can be an effective sporting supplement, so by not informing players of this valid research, they are ignoring the science and withholding all of the facts.”
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, and Newcastle United defender Emile Krafth are amongst players who have been snapped with snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
The use of nicotine in football and sports has been long-running, with legendary players like Paul Gascoin, Zinedine Zidane, Wayne Rooney and David all at some point seen puffing cigarettes.
There is some proof that the use of nicotine can increase the performances of players, as several studies have been conducted in the past to monitor the performance of players before and after the use of the drug.
The 12-month examination currently being conducted by the PFA on the use of snus - which is being spearheaded by Loughborough University, will be used to advise clubs on players in their teams, who make use of it.
This advice and suggestions will be to help these players in stopping the use of the drug, as it is unknown if an addiction could have crept in.
It is also understood that a growing list of players are also making use of the product to better their performances.
There is currently a PFA investigation ongoing with a report to be provided on the use of the product taken by athletes.
These athletes are those who believe nicotine boosts performance and the numbers continue to sprout rapidly.
The investigation currently being carried out could see it either become accepted to be of use in football or banned from use.
Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy and Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascelles are notable players, who have been linked to the product.
It is believed that players put the products under their top lip or between their toes ahead of matches.
According to reports from The Sun, a source from one of the top-five clubs in England said:
“It is an open secret that snus and nicotine pouches are being used by players on and off the pitch, on the bench and in training and many do not care about this investigation.
“I know the PFA sees a tipping point here and they are in a difficult spot.
“Coaches cannot watch the players all of the time and these are incredibly discreet to use.
“Is the gaffer supposed to check his players' mouths and toes when they put their socks on? It's because of this we could see a blanket ban, rather than the effects of snus.”
England manager, Gareth Southgate, has even in the past weeks expressed his awareness of the drug being used by professional footballers.
Southgate didn't sound like it was wrong for footballers to use it or condemn their use of it.
However, campaigners have reacted fiercely to the way the PFA have handled it, claiming that PFA was “ignoring the science” behind nicotine in sport.
Founder of the campaign group Considerate Pouchers UK, Richard Crosby said:
“The PFA is potentially causing more harm than good by ignoring the science and while Mr Southgate has a view, it appears not to be an informed one.”
He added that snus contains nicotine, a performance-enhancing drug, and as such it shouldn't just be brushed away and looked at from the prism of smoking.
“This is because there is now plenty of evidence to show it can be an effective sporting supplement, so by not informing players of this valid research, they are ignoring the science and withholding all of the facts.”
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof, and Newcastle United defender Emile Krafth are amongst players who have been snapped with snus and tobacco-free nicotine pouches.
The use of nicotine in football and sports has been long-running, with legendary players like Paul Gascoin, Zinedine Zidane, Wayne Rooney and David all at some point seen puffing cigarettes.
There is some proof that the use of nicotine can increase the performances of players, as several studies have been conducted in the past to monitor the performance of players before and after the use of the drug.
The 12-month examination currently being conducted by the PFA on the use of snus - which is being spearheaded by Loughborough University, will be used to advise clubs on players in their teams, who make use of it.
This advice and suggestions will be to help these players in stopping the use of the drug, as it is unknown if an addiction could have crept in.