Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been provisionally suspended from football after a doping control returned a positive analytical finding. The news was confirmed by the player himself, marking a significant development in his professional career.
Álvarez, a key figure in Athletic`s defense, stated that the positive test result came from a sample provided after a match. While the specifics of the competition or opponent from the source material appear historically misplaced, the core fact of the positive test and subsequent temporary ban is clear.
In a public statement, Álvarez expressed profound shock and difficulty in believing the outcome. He firmly asserted that he has never intentionally consumed any prohibited substances throughout his career. This denial highlights the gravity of the situation from the player`s perspective, who finds himself in a challenging and unexpected position.
The defender offered a potential explanation for the finding, suggesting it might be connected to a prophylactic treatment he has been using for alopecia. This condition emerged as a side effect following the chemotherapy he underwent in 2017 during his successful battle against testicular cancer. It is a cruel twist of fate that a treatment potentially related to overcoming a life-threatening illness could now jeopardize his career.
Álvarez confirmed that a disciplinary investigation into the matter is now in progress. This process is confidential, which restricts his ability to comment further publicly on the specifics. Temporary suspensions are standard procedure in anti-doping cases once an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) is confirmed, pending a full investigation and hearing.
The athlete emphasized his sadness regarding the situation but conveyed his resolve. Supported by his club, he is actively working on preparing his defense. He expressed confidence in his ability to clear his name and return to playing as soon as the process allows.
Anti-doping regulations in professional sports operate under strict liability principles, meaning athletes are ultimately responsible for any prohibited substance found in their body, regardless of how it got there. However, the context and circumstances, such as potential contamination or prescribed medical treatments, are typically evaluated during the investigation phase.
Yeray Álvarez`s case will now proceed through the formal disciplinary channels to determine the source of the positive test and whether a violation of anti-doping rules occurred, and consequently, the duration of any potential ban.
