In a shocking blow to Athletic Bilbao's campaign, Spanish international defender Yeray Alvarez has been slapped with a hefty 10-month suspension from football for an anti-doping violation. The centre-back tested positive for a banned substance contained within a medication he was using to treat hair loss.
The Spanish Anti-Doping Commission (CELAD) confirmed the sanction, which will see the 29-year-old sidelined until deep into the 2025-26 season. The ruling stems from a positive test for finasteride, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) because it can be used to mask the presence of performance-enhancing drugs.
A Costly Oversight in Personal Treatment
Alvarez's defence centred on the fact he was using the medication, known as 'Perfect Hair', solely for cosmetic purposes to combat alopecia and had no intention of gaining a sporting advantage. He argued that the product was purchased over the counter at a pharmacy and that he was unaware it contained any illicit compounds.
However, the tribunal upheld the ban, citing the strict liability principle that makes athletes entirely responsible for any substance found in their body. The verdict stated that Alvarez "failed to exercise the utmost caution" by not thoroughly verifying the contents of the treatment with club doctors before use.
Devastating Impact for Club and Country
This suspension represents a monumental setback for both player and club. A stalwart in defence, Alvarez is a pivotal figure for Athletic Bilbao, known for their unique policy of only fielding players from the Basque region. Finding a replacement of his calibre mid-season will be a formidable challenge for manager Ernesto Valverde.
Furthermore, the ban effectively ends any near-term hopes of a return to the Spanish national team for Alvarez, who has earned two caps for La Roja. His absence will be deeply felt as Athletic Bilbao compete in La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The case sends a stern reminder to professional athletes worldwide about the critical importance of scrutinising every product they use, even those seemingly unrelated to sports performance.
