Bilbao’s Yeray Alvarez Suspended Over Alopecia Medication Doping

Bilbao’s Yeray Alvarez Suspended Over Alopecia Medication Doping

Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, which he claims was linked to medication for treating alopecia.

The 30-year-old Spaniard failed a doping test following Bilbao’s 3-0 defeat against Manchester United in the Europa League semi-final on May 1.

Linked to Alopecia Treatment

Alvarez revealed the banned substance came from medicine he was using for hair loss treatment. The defender has been open about his ongoing health challenges since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was informed of the result. It was a very hard blow,” Alvarez said in a social media post. “After studying the case, we established I tested positive because I unintentionally took a hair loss prevention medicine containing a banned substance.”

The Spanish international added that he regrets the situation deeply and is working on his defence with the full support of the club.

UEFA Yet to Comment

UEFA confirmed to BBC Sport that it will not make any official statements until the disciplinary process is concluded.

Athletic Bilbao also released a statement, expressing solidarity with Alvarez:

“Athletic Club wishes to express its full support for Yeray Alvarez and its complete confidence in the bodies charged with resolving the case. Once proceedings are concluded, Yeray Alvarez and the club will offer all necessary explanations.”

Alvarez, who has made 257 appearances for Bilbao, remains provisionally suspended and cannot make further public statements while the investigation is ongoing.