THE use of snus among professional footballers will be the subject of new research amid a “high level of concern” over the health impacts associated with the product.

The Professional Footballers’ Association will work with academics at Loughborough University on a 12-month project to identify how many players are using snus, and to raise awareness of its negative health impacts.

Snus is a nicotine-based product that is rubbed between the upper lip and the gumline. Despite being linked with heart conditions, oral disease and decreased physical performance, its use is believed to be on the rise among footballers.

Dr Daniel Read, the lead researcher for the project at Loughborough University, 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 project will incorporate a systematic review of existing evidence about the product, alongside conducting interviews and surveys among footballers and other club staff to identify attitudes and behaviour towards snus.

Michael Bennett, the PFA’s director of player wellbeing, said: “Through our conversations with players and their clubs we are aware that there is a rise in the use of snus in the game.

“We want to use research like this to better understand that trend, the motivations of players and how aware they are of the risks.

“We can then use that knowledge to play our part in ensuring members are aware of the negative impacts that can be associated with snus use.”

The first findings from the research are due to be presented later this year, the PFA said.