Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been suspended for 10 months after testing positive for a banned substance following a UEFA Europa League match, European football’s governing body confirmed on Monday.
The 30-year-old Spaniard tested positive for Canrenone, a substance prohibited both in and out of competition, after Bilbao’s 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United in the semi-finals of the competition in May.
Alvarez had voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on 2 June, and revealed in July that the banned substance was unintentionally ingested through medication used to treat hair loss. The centre-back, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, said the medication was part of his ongoing treatment for alopecia.
UEFA’s disciplinary body confirmed its decision following a meeting on 19 August 2025, stating:
“The player is suspended 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.”
Under UEFA regulations, Alvarez will be allowed to resume training and use club facilities from 2 February 2026, during the final two months of his suspension.
A product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy, Alvarez has made 257 appearances in all competitions for the senior team.
