Athletic Bilbao has issued a formal statement in response to the provisional suspension of their central defender, Yeray Álvarez. The club confirmed that the player has been temporarily banned from competitive football activities following a positive result from a doping test.
The anti-doping control in question was conducted after the first leg of Athletic`s UEFA Europa League semi-final match against Manchester United. The fixture, played earlier this season, resulted in a 3-0 defeat for the Spanish club.
Álvarez, who is 30 years old, publicly announced his suspension via social media on Thursday, July 10. In his statement, the defender provided context for the positive test result, suggesting that the prohibited substance detected by UEFA authorities may have entered his system unintentionally. According to Álvarez, the positive finding is believed to be a consequence of taking a preventative medication prescribed for alopecia. This condition, commonly known as hair loss, has been a factor he has managed since undergoing a course of chemotherapy in 2017.
The player`s medical history is significant, having previously battled testicular cancer and successfully returned to professional sport. His explanation frames the current situation not as a deliberate attempt to gain an unfair advantage, but rather as an unfortunate side effect potentially linked to ongoing medical management following his past health challenges.
Responding to the situation, Athletic Bilbao expressed regret over what they termed as “Yeray`s human error.” The club`s statement conveyed unequivocal support for the player and reiterated the explanation provided by Álvarez concerning the medication taken for alopecia. The official communication from the Spanish club stated: “Athletic fully supports Yeray Álvarez and expresses absolute trust in the bodies responsible for reviewing the case.”
This development impacts a season in which Álvarez has been a consistent presence for Athletic. In the 2024/25 campaign, he has made 29 appearances across all competitions, contributing two goals. He has been a member of the senior squad since 2016, establishing himself as a key component of the team`s defense.
The case is now subject to a formal review process by the relevant anti-doping authorities. This incident highlights the intricate intersection of player health, prescribed medications, and the strict regulatory framework governing anti-doping in elite sports, reminding stakeholders that vigilance is paramount even with treatments seemingly unrelated to performance enhancement.
