Club doctors warn of rising snus use in Dutch professional football

Club doctors and former players are raising alarms regarding the widespread use of snus, a nicotine pouch, within Dutch professional football. Medical professionals report observing physical side effects in players, such as constricted pupils, facial tension, and tremors. Club physician Luuk Wouters noted that some players require increasing doses to feel rested, suggesting a pattern of addiction.

While the sale of traditional tobacco-based snus is illegal in the Netherlands, the product is not currently prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This regulatory gap means many clubs lack specific contractual provisions to prevent its use, often treating it similarly to smoking.

Clubs like Ajax have implemented educational programs to inform players of the disadvantages, while others, such as PSV, focus on discouraging the habit due to its impact on physical fitness. Reports indicate the issue extends to youth players and is a recurring challenge across various levels of the professional league.