Sh*ckwave In Spain: UEFA Slaps Athletic’s Yeray Álvarez With 10-Month Doping Ban

UEFA has imposed a 10-month suspension on Athletic Club defender Yeray Álvarez after the Spaniard tested positive during an anti-doping test conducted following the Europa League semi-final first leg against Manchester United in May.

In its verdict, the European football governing body acknowledged that the 29-year-old did not intentionally attempt to enhance his performance but emphasized that he remained responsible for the banned substance detected in his system.

“While the disciplinary panel accepts that there was no deliberate attempt to dope, it reiterates that athletes are solely accountable for ensuring the legality of the substances they consume,” UEFA stated.

Investigations showed that Álvarez ingested the prohibited substance inadvertently while taking preventive treatment for hair loss.

The defender reacted to the ruling in July, admitting fault in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account and accepting the punishment. The ban, which took effect from June 2 when he was provisionally suspended, will keep him out of official competition until April 2, 2026. However, he will be allowed to resume training with his teammates from February 2, 2026.

Álvarez’s absence is seen as a major setback for Athletic Club, who are participating in the Champions League this season. The Basque side is set to clash with Paris Saint-Germain in a key group stage encounter on December 10.