Barriers and enablers to implementing the UEFA Consensus Statement on Nutrition: insights from sport nutrition practitioners in the English Premier League.

Background: Despite the importance of evidence-based nutrition in elite football, Premier League players often exhibit sub-optimal dietary behaviours, highlighting the need for improved guideline implementation.

Purpose: This study used the COM-B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore sport nutritionists' perceived barriers and enablers to applying the UEFA Consensus Statement on Nutrition.

Method: Twelve lead sport nutritionists from English Premier League clubs took part in semi-structured interviews (1 hour ± 44 mins). The interviews were structured using the COM-B and TDF and analysed thematically.

Results: Six key themes were identified, representing six barriers and two enablers, encompassing all three components of the COM-B model and seven TDF domains. Psychological capability barriers included challenges in changing players' dietary behaviours. Reflective motivation was hindered by doubts regarding the scientific basis of carbohydrate and body composition guidelines, alongside concerns over players' ability to practically adhere to carbohydrate recommendations. Physical and social opportunity barriers involved restricted time and support for ongoing personal and professional development. Practitioners desired greater autonomy over the nutrition service, which was either enabled or constrained by the club' social environment. As an enabler, female practitioners' strong interpersonal skills (psychological capability) supported implementation; however, they also faced gender-related challenges navigating male predominate environments, making the social opportunity for implementation more complex.

Conclusion: Implementing nutrition guidelines in elite football is challenging. Overcoming barriers-by boosting practitioner confidence, belief in guidelines, professional development support, and autonomy-is key to improving uptake of UEFA recommendations and enhancing player dietary adherence in the English Premier League.