League of Ireland

Stimulants are banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but nicotine is not.

According to the PFAI, some League of Ireland have it written into their rules that players face fines if training ground pitches are left littered with used snus pouches. “The product is being analysed in the UK with regards to any side effects, so we would encourage players to be extremely careful.” It is not illegal to consume, but asked if it was an issue in Ireland, the PFAI said it was surprised by how widespread it is. “It’s not illegal to take it, but it’s illegal to sell it in Ireland so you have to bring it in, or order it in, which would immediately worry me. Snus use is widespread in the League of Ireland and players have been urged to consider the health impact. A tobacco product that comes in small pouches, it is placed between the upper lip and the gum.