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.
It releases nicotine into the bloodstream and some players are using it during matches, sitting on the bench, at training sessions and away from the game.
Stimulants are banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), but nicotine is not.
According to a WADA study in 2015, snus use can increase alertness, improve coordination and enhance cognitive performance.
The same study claimed that while addictive, it gives no unfair advantage when it comes to performance.
Yesterday, an investigation by ‘The Athletic’ suggested that between 35% and 40% of players in the UK were using snus.
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.
PFA Ireland boss Stephen McGuinness told Mirror Sport yesterday: “We’ve asked the question on the back of this report in England.
“We’ve found a lot of anecdotal evidence that a significant number of players regularly use it so, yes, it’s widespread.
“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.
“The product is being analysed in the UK with regards to any side effects, so we would encourage players to be extremely careful.”
McGuinness continued: “Snus is not banned by WADA but is on their watch list, so that should be a priority for players.
“It’s imperative that players know what they are putting into their bodies and just how much nicotine we’re talking about and the side effects of that.”
Snus originated in Sweden and is most commonly used in parts of Scandinavia and North America, but is now apparently rampant in football.
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.
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