Athletic Club defender Yeray Alvarez is currently facing a provisional suspension after a doping control conducted by UEFA yielded a positive result. The test was performed following the first leg of the Europa League semi-final match against Manchester United.
The young Spanish defender has publicly addressed the situation, offering an explanation for the unexpected outcome. According to Alvarez, the positive test stems from a medication he has been using for several years to treat alopecia, a condition affecting hair loss. He asserts that this medication inadvertently contained a substance prohibited by anti-doping regulations, of which he was completely unaware.
“It has been a tough blow,” Alvarez stated, maintaining that he has never knowingly consumed any prohibited substances. He described the presence of the banned substance in his hair loss treatment as an unintentional error. Due to the ongoing and confidential nature of the formal investigation process, he is currently unable to provide further details.
Alvarez expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from Athletic Club since the notification of the positive test. He conveyed his determination to defend himself against the finding and voiced optimism about his eventual return to the field.
Athletic Club has echoed their defender`s stance, releasing an official statement firmly backing Yeray Alvarez. The club characterized the incident as a “human error,” aligning with the player`s explanation regarding the medication. Like Alvarez, the club is bound by confidentiality rules while the procedural investigation is underway and thus cannot issue more detailed public comments at this time.
The Basque club confirmed that full explanations will be provided by both Yeray Alvarez and Athletic Club once the formal process concludes. They concluded their statement by reiterating their complete support for the player during this challenging period and expressing full confidence in the relevant authorities tasked with resolving the case.
This situation adds a layer of complexity to the career of a player who has already overcome significant health challenges, having previously successfully battled cancer, a context that lends perspective to the alopecia treatment being cited as the cause.