Bilbao defender Alvarez suspended for 10 months after failed doping test

The 30-year-old Spaniard tests positive for Canrenone after 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United in Europa League’s semi-finals

Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez in action with Manchester United's Mason Mount in Europa League - Semi Final - First Leg - Athletic Bilbao v Manchester United - San Mames, Bilbao, Spain - May 1, 2025. Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo

Athletic Bilbao centre back Yeray Alvarez has been suspended for 10 months due to a failed doping test after a Europa League match, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Monday.

The 30-year-old Spaniard tested positive for Canrenone, a substance prohibited in and out of competition, after Bilbao's 3-0 home defeat by Manchester United in the semi-finals of UEFA's second-tier club competition in May.

Alvarez, who voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on Jun 2, said in July that he unintentionally ingested a banned substance in medicine used to treat hair loss. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016 and said he had been taking the medicine as part of his treatment for alopecia.

"At its meeting on 19 Aug 2025, the relevant UEFA disciplinary body decided to suspend the player for ten (10) months, starting from the date of the provisional suspension (i.e. 2 Jun 2025) and ending on 2 Apr 2026, for committing a non-intentional anti-doping rule violation," UEFA said.

"In accordance with Article 10.14.2 of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations, the player may return to train with a team or use the facilities of a club in the last two months of his period of ineligibility, i.e. as of 2 Feb 2026."

Alvarez came through Bilbao's youth academy and has made 257 appearances in all competitions for the senior team.