Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been suspended for 10 months after testing positive for a banned substance, UEFA confirmed on Monday.
The 30-year-old returned a positive sample following last season’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Manchester United on May 1, which Bilbao lost 3-0 at home. Tests revealed the presence of Canrenone, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
UEFA acknowledged that Alvarez had not deliberately sought an advantage, with the defender explaining the substance entered his system through medication prescribed for hair loss linked to his past testicular cancer treatment.
Despite this, Alvarez accepted a voluntary provisional suspension in June, meaning his ban is backdated. He will be eligible to resume competitive action in April 2026, though he can return to full training with his teammates two months earlier.
Alvarez’s case has drawn sympathy given his health battles. First diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016, he fought back to make two comebacks in 2017 and 2018.
The suspension represents a blow for Athletic Bilbao, who are preparing for a return to the Champions League this season. It also comes after the collapse of a late transfer window deal to bring former player Aymeric Laporte back from Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
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