Athletic’s Yeray Álvarez Suspended After Positive Doping Test

Athletic Club defender Yeray Álvarez said on Thursday he has been provisionally suspended after returning a positive result in a UEFA doping control carried out following the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United on 1 May, which the Spanish side lost 3–0 in Bilbao. The 30-year-old centre-back attributed the infraction to the “involuntary” use of a preventative hair-loss treatment that contained a prohibited substance. Álvarez, who disclosed the result himself, added that the disciplinary process is in its investigative phase and remains confidential under UEFA rules. Athletic Club issued a statement expressing full support for the player and confidence in the adjudicating bodies. Álvarez has battled testicular cancer twice, in 2016 and 2017, and has remained on medication to treat alopecia since his recovery. He played the return leg of the semi-final and two La Liga matches before receiving notice of the positive test, and said he hopes to clear his name and return to competition once the case is resolved.