Supplements are not prohibited by the FA. However, this does not mean that their use is without risk. Firstly, whilst there is an array of supplements available from a variety of sources, evidence supporting their claims to improve physical attributes such as strength and endurance is often limited.

Secondly, because supplement companies are not required by law to list all the ingredients in their products, they can be a risk for footballers because some may contain banned substances that are not listed on the label. These companies are also not subject to the same quality control procedures as those in the pharmaceutical industry, meaning that there is a risk of contamination with a prohibited substance that even the manufacturers themselves may be unaware of.

Many companies offer certificates to prove that their supplements are free from banned substances. Whilst these may seem to offer a guarantee that the supplement is ‘clean’, it is important to remember the following:
  • Such certificates may be just a marketing ploy with little scientific back-up.
  • Batch tests conducted by supplement manufacturers on their own products may not be sensitive enough to detect all prohibited substances.
  • The certificate is unlikely to be legally binding. Consequently, it provides little protection should you test positive for a banned substance after using the company’s supplements.
  • The FA, UK Sport and WADA never endorse/ratify these certificates.

You should never take anything if you are uncertain about the contents and it’s always safest to check with your club medical staff first.

Anti doping rules are based on the principle of strict liability. This means that it is solely the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that no-banned substances are found in their body. With this in mind, if a supplement contains a banned substance and you test positive following a drug test, you will face a ban from football, whether you had been deliberately trying to cheat or not.

Further information is available on the supplements section of the UK Sport website.