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Key Points

UEFA has suspended Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez for ten months after a failed doping test. He tested positive for the banned substance Canrenone following his team's Europa League match against Manchester United. Alvarez explained the positive result was unintentional, caused by medication he was taking for hair loss. The ban is effective until April 2026, though he can return to training in the final two months.

Key Points: UEFA Bans Bilbao Defender Yeray Alvarez 10 Months for Doping

  • Suspension follows positive test for Canrenone after Europa League semi-final
  • Alvarez says substance entered system via prescribed hair loss treatment
  • Ban runs from June 2025 until April 2nd, 2026
  • Defender has a history of testicular cancer diagnosed in 2016
2 min read

UEFA suspends Bilbao defender Alvarez for 10 months after failed doping test

Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez suspended 10 months by UEFA after failing a doping test for a substance in his hair loss medication, following his past cancer battle.

"involuntarily took a medicine to prevent hair loss that contained a banned substance - Yeray Alvarez"

Nyon, Sep 8

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been handed a 10-month suspension after failing a doping test during the Europa League, UEFA confirmed on Monday.

The 30-year-old tested positive for Canrenone, a banned substance both in and out of competition, following Bilbao’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the tournament in May.

Alvarez had already accepted a provisional suspension on June 2. In July, he explained the failed test, saying the substance entered his system unintentionally through medication prescribed for hair loss. The Spaniard, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, added that the treatment was part of his ongoing care for alopecia.

"At its meeting on 19 August 2025, the relevant UEFA disciplinary body decided to suspend the player for ten (10) months, starting from the date of the provisional suspension (i.e. 2 June 2025) and ending on 2 April 2026, for committing a non-intentional anti-doping rule violation," UEFA said.

"In accordance with Article 10.14.2 of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the player may return to train with a team or use the facilities of a club in the last two months of his period of ineligibility, i.e. as of 2 February 2026."

The ban will end on April 2 next year and applies to all competitions. The 30-year-old centre back previously stepped away from football in 2017 to undergo treatment for testicular cancer. After returning to the game, he began taking medication for alopecia. He explained that his positive doping test was the result of having “involuntarily took a medicine to prevent hair loss that contained a banned substance.”

Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, will compete in the Champions League this season after securing a fourth-place finish in La Liga.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who follows European football, I think players need to be more careful with medications. The team doctors should double-check everything. But wishing Alvarez strength - he's been through so much already 🙏
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Arjun K
Football authorities need to understand medical contexts better. This wasn't performance enhancement - it was hair loss treatment! Hope he comes back stronger 💪
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Sarah B
While I sympathize with his medical history, rules are rules. All professional athletes know they're responsible for what goes into their bodies. The suspension serves as an important reminder to others.
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Vikram M
At least they acknowledged it was non-intentional. Could have been worse. Hope Bilbao manages without him in Champions League. Tough break for the team!
M
Michael C
The timing is terrible with Champions League starting. But health comes first - hope he uses this time to focus on his recovery and comes back stronger next year.

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