Did Athletic Bilbao Defender Yeray Apologize After Positive Drug Test?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez publicly addresses his recent suspension due to a positive drug test. This heartfelt apology highlights the complexities surrounding athlete health and the consequences of medication misuse. What led to his suspension, and how does he plan to navigate this challenging period?
Key Takeaways
- Yeray Alvarez is suspended for 10 months due to a positive drug test.
- The substance involved is canrenone, used in hair loss treatment.
- Yeray accepted full responsibility for his actions.
- He will waive his salary until he can return to the field.
- His case highlights the need for athletes to be cautious with medications.
Madrid, Sep 11 (NationPress) Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has taken full responsibility after receiving a 10-month suspension from UEFA for testing positive for a banned substance. This suspension stems from the presence of canrenone, known to act as a masking agent, which was detected during a treatment he was undergoing for hair loss following his battle with cancer on two occasions, according to reports from Xinhua.
The 30-year-old athlete's positive test occurred both in and out of competition, particularly after a 3-0 defeat against Manchester United in the Europa League semifinals last May.
Yeray explained that he had been on a prescribed treatment since 2022 and had kept his club informed about his medication. His girlfriend was using a similar treatment.
However, he admitted that just before the first leg of Athletic's Europa League semifinal against Manchester United, he ran out of his pills and, thinking his partner's pill would have the same effect, consumed it without realizing it contained a prohibited substance.
"I want to apologize to Athletic, the fans, my teammates... these have been challenging months. I want to express my regrets to everyone. This situation affects us all," he stated, further noting that he has also waived his salary until he is eligible to return to play on April 2, 2026.
Yeray accepted the lengthy nature of his ban, which is significantly longer than the three-month penalty given to tennis player Jannik Sinner for a similar offense last year.
"The ten-month suspension seems just to me," he affirmed, acknowledging his mistake from the very beginning. "That's how it is."
Alvarez's provisional suspension began on June 2, and the sanction has been backdated. He will be eligible to return to play by April 2, 2026, and can commence training again from February 2.
Point of View
I want to emphasize the importance of transparency and responsibility in sports. Yeray Alvarez's situation serves as a reminder that athletes must be vigilant about what they consume, even when medications are involved. This incident not only affects the player but also reverberates through the wider community, reminding us of the stakes involved in professional sports.
NationPress
12/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What substance did Yeray Alvarez test positive for?
Yeray Alvarez tested positive for canrenone, a substance that can act as a masking agent.
How long is Yeray Alvarez's suspension?
Yeray Alvarez has received a 10-month suspension from UEFA.
When will Yeray be able to return to play?
He will be eligible to return to play on April 2, 2026.
What led to Yeray's positive test?
He mistakenly took his girlfriend's medication, believing it had the same effect as his prescribed treatment.
What has Yeray said regarding his suspension?
Yeray has acknowledged his mistake and expressed his regrets to the club, fans, and teammates.
