Yeray Alvarez Faces 10-Month Ban After Positive Doping Test in Europa League
Athletic Bilbao star defender Yeray Alvarez is in hot water after UEFA slapped him with a 10-month suspension for failing a doping test. The news came straight from UEFA on Monday, shaking up the football world.
The 30-year-old tested positive for Canrenone, a banned substance that’s not allowed during matches or training. This happened after Bilbao’s tough 3-0 loss to Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals back in May. Alvarez, a key centre-back for the Spanish club, had already stepped back from the game with a provisional suspension starting June 2.
In his defense, Alvarez opened up about the mix-up in July. He said the substance slipped into his system accidentally through meds he took for hair loss. Remember, this isn’t Alvarez’s first battle off the pitch—he beat testicular cancer back in 2016 and took a break from football in 2017 for treatment. After coming back strong, he started using medication for alopecia, a condition causing hair loss. "I involuntarily took a medicine to prevent hair loss that contained a banned substance," he explained, stressing it was all part of his ongoing health care.
UEFA’s disciplinary team reviewed everything and ruled on August 19. They decided it was a non-intentional anti-doping rule violation under their regulations. The full ban kicks in from June 2 and runs until April 2, 2026, covering all competitions. Good news for Alvarez? He can start training with Bilbao or using club facilities from February 2, 2026, thanks to a special rule in the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations.
This doping violation news hits hard for Athletic Bilbao fans, but the team is pushing forward. They earned a spot in this season’s Champions League after finishing fourth in La Liga. Alvarez’s absence means the squad will need to rally without their experienced defender for now.
Stay tuned for more updates on Yeray Alvarez doping case and Athletic Bilbao’s Champions League journey—football drama never stops!
