Yeray Alvarez: Athletic Club star handed huge ban for failing doping test after losing to Manchester United | OneFootball

The Basque side begin their Champions League campaign next week against Arsenal

Athletic Club defender Yeray Alvarez has been banned for 10 months after failing a doping test following a Europa League match with Manchester United in May.

The analysis of the player’s sample by a WADA-accredited laboratory revealed the presence of Canrenone, which is a substance prohibited in and out of competition.

Two UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspectors conducted an investigation, and the case was submitted to the UEFA disciplinary bodies for a decision.

Alvarez has now been hit with a 10-month ban, which starts from the date of his provisional suspension, on June 2, and ends on April 2.

He will be able to return to training in February and use the facilities of Athletic Bilbao for the final two months of his ban.

Battle: Yeray Alvarez and Mason Mount

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Alvarez explained in July that he had unintentionally taken the banned substance as treatment for hair loss, after being diagnosed with testicular cancer nine years ago.

The defender said at the time that receiving the news was a “hard blow” and he was shocked to learn of his positive test.

Athletic, who face Arsenal in the Champions League next week, released a statement on Monday morning.

“After the investigation phase was completed, UEFA’s disciplinary body issued a ruling and imposed a ten-month ban on Yeray Alvarez.

“In its decision, UEFA acknowledged that there was no intentionality on the part of the player, finding it proven that the ingestion of the prohibited substance was due to the player’s incorrect use of a hair loss preventative medication containing the substance, unintentionally taking it as a drug.

“The federation body recalls that, under current regulations, the athlete is responsible for his actions and, consequently, should have confirmed whether the medication was permitted before taking it.

“The sanction began on June 2, as Yeray Alvarez voluntarily accepted the provisional suspension. He will therefore be eligible to return to competition starting April 2, 2026.

“However, the player can return to team training two months earlier, in accordance with applicable regulations. Yeray Alvarez will hold a press conference shortly, in which he will provide the necessary explanations.”