Athletic Club defender Yeray Álvarez has been banned from football until April 2026 after testing positive for a banned substance during the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United. UEFA confirmed the suspension, but stressed the violation was “non-intentional,” after it was revealed the 30-year-old had mistakenly taken his wife’s preventative hair-loss medication. The punishment has been backdated to June 2, meaning Álvarez will serve a total of 10 months out of competitive football.
In its ruling, UEFA’s disciplinary body stated: “The player is suspended for ten months, starting from 2 June 2025 until 2 April 2026, for committing a non-intentional anti-doping rule violation.” The regulations allow Álvarez to return to training with Athletic from 2 February 2026, two months before the suspension officially ends. Athletic now face their first Champions League campaign since 2015 without a key defender, who will also miss the bulk of their LaLiga and Copa del Rey campaigns this season.
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Álvarez’s absence represents a major setback for Athletic, who had qualified for Europe’s top competition for the first time in a decade. The experienced centre-back has been a mainstay of the club’s defence since making his senior debut in 2016 and was expected to anchor their backline this season. His unavailability leaves manager Ernesto Valverde short of options in central defence, with the team preparing to face Alavés in LaLiga following the international break.
The case highlights the strict liability principle underpinning anti-doping regulations, where athletes are ultimately responsible for any substance found in their bodies, regardless of intent. While UEFA acknowledged Álvarez had not deliberately sought a performance advantage, the governing body emphasised the importance of vigilance in medication use. Athletic have yet to comment publicly on the ruling but are expected to support the player as he works toward a return in the final stretch of the season. For now, Álvarez must watch from the sidelines as his teammates embark on a historic Champions League campaign without him.
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