By Godwill Odilu
Professional Footballers Association (PFA) executives are set to send a crucial warning email to professional players following the inclusion of the potent painkiller Tramadol in the list of prohibited drugs.
The opioid, extensively utilised in English football for managing acute and chronic pain, has been reclassified as a performance-enhancing substance under new doping regulations effective from January 1. Players testing positive for Tramadol now face substantial bans, ranging from two to four years.
Notably, the withdrawal symptoms associated with Tramadol include hallucinations, paranoia, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and confusion, prompting concerns among PFA officials about potential challenges in players discontinuing its use.
The imminent email aims to notify players about the altered status of the drug and strongly advises consulting club doctors and the PFA Union for guidance, particularly concerning potential addiction issues.
