Athletic Bilbao Defender Yeray Álvarez Suspended 10 Months for Doping Violation

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has been suspended for 10 months by UEFA after testing positive for Canrenone, a banned substance, following a Europa League semifinal loss to Manchester United. Álvarez, who accepted a provisional suspension in June, explained that the substance was unintentionally ingested as part of medication to treat hair loss related to his past testicular cancer treatment. UEFA acknowledged there was no intentional doping and imposed the ban starting from June 2, 2025, ending on April 2, 2026, allowing him to return to training in February 2026. Despite the suspension, Athletic Bilbao will continue competing in the current Champions League season. Álvarez has been a key player for Athletic, having come through their youth academy and made over 250 appearances for the club. The case highlights the strict enforcement of doping rules even when substances are ingested unintentionally for medical reasons.