Athletic Club will be without key defender Yeray Alvarez for most of the season, as UEFA has handed him a 10-month suspension. The ban comes after he tested positive following a Europa League match against Manchester United last season.
This is a significant blow for Athletic Club, as Alvarez is a crucial part of their defense. His absence will be felt across their LaLiga, Copa del Rey, and especially their much-anticipated return to the Champions League. The club will need to adjust its defensive lineup for the majority of the campaign.
📄 The Official Ruling from UEFA
💊 UEFA has suspended Athletic Club defender Yeray Alvarez until April 2, 2026, following an anti-doping rule violation. The European football governing body confirmed the 10-month ban, which was backdated to start on June 2, 2025. This means the 30-year-old will miss a significant portion of the current season.
🤔 An Unintentional Mistake
🤷 The investigation found that the violation was not intentional. According to UEFA’s report, Alvarez accidentally ingested his wife’s preventive medicine for hair loss, which contained the banned substance. This clarification is important as it distinguishes the case from deliberate attempts to gain an unfair advantage.
⚽ Major Setback for Athletic Club
📉 The suspension is a major setback for Athletic Club, who will be without the experienced defender for their first Champions League campaign since 2015. Alvarez will also miss most of the team’s LaLiga and Copa del Rey matches. While he is not allowed to play, he will be permitted to return to training with the team from February 2, 2026, to prepare for his comeback.
