Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Álvarez has received a 10-month suspension from UEFA after testing positive for a prohibited substance following a European competition match. The European football governing body confirmed the sanction this week.
The 30-year-old Spanish center-back tested positive for canrenone after his team’s Europa League semi-final fixture against Manchester United last May. The substance is banned both in and out of competition under anti-doping regulations.
Álvarez had voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension in June and later explained that the positive test resulted from medication he was using to treat hair loss. The player, who previously battled testicular cancer in 2016, stated he had been taking the medicine as part of his treatment for alopecia.
UEFA’s disciplinary committee determined the violation was unintentional but imposed the suspension through April 2, 2026. The ban period began when the provisional suspension was enacted on June 2, 2025.
According to UEFA regulations, Álvarez will be permitted to resume training with his team and use club facilities during the final two months of his suspension, beginning February 2, 2026.
The defender is a product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth system and has made 257 appearances for the senior squad across all competitions.
