Athletic Club is standing by defender Yeray Alvarez following a positive doping test conducted by UEFA after the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United. The Basque defender explained the situation via an Instagram message, stating it was an unintentional error connected to a long-standing alopecia treatment he has been receiving since recovering from cancer.
In his message, Alvarez called the news “a very hard blow.” He asserted, “I have never taken prohibited substances. The medication I was using for hair loss contained a banned substance that I was not aware of. The proceedings are now underway, and for reasons of confidentiality, I have been provisionally suspended and cannot make further statements.”
The player also used his statement to thank the club for their immediate support, adding, “I am working determinedly to defend myself, and I am convinced that I will return to the field soon.” Athletic Club, in an official note, described the incident as “a human error” and reiterated that they could not provide further details while the process is ongoing. “As Yeray himself stated, the procedure is currently under investigation and subject to confidentiality, therefore the Club is not authorized to release further public statements regarding it,” the club`s note read. “Once the procedure is concluded, Yeray Álvarez and Athletic Club will provide all relevant and necessary explanations. Athletic Club wishes to express its full support for Yeray Álvarez at this time and its complete confidence in the bodies in charge of resolving the case.”
