The use of hair loss medication has led to a major incident. Yerai Alvarez (30, Athletic Bilbao) is facing a crisis after testing positive for doping.
Bilbao announced on the 11th (Korea time) through its official website, "The club expresses regret regarding Yerai Alvarez's human error and extends its full support to him."
Bilbao noted, "Yerai explained that the positive result in the UEFA doping test happened due to an error during the hair loss treatment process he posted about on social media," adding, "As Yerai mentioned, an investigation is currently underway, and confidentiality is required. The club cannot provide any further official statements regarding this issue."
In conclusion, the club added, "Once all procedures are completed, Yerai and the club will provide all necessary explanations," stating, "The club fully supports Yerai at this time. At the same time, we entirely trust the agencies responsible for resolving this incident."
According to Spanish media, Alvarez was caught in a doping test in May. He is reported to have had a banned substance detected in a doping sample immediately after finishing the first leg of the semifinals of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League against Manchester United. Alvarez claims it was unintentional but has received a temporary suspension from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Born in 1995, Alvarez has been a franchise star playing in Bilbao since childhood. He debuted professionally in 2016 and has grown into a key center-back for Bilbao. In December 2016, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, but he is also well-known as a 'hero of triumph' for overcoming the surgery and two battles with the disease and successfully returning.
However, Alvarez is in crisis due to an unexpected doping issue. He revealed on social media, "A few weeks ago, I learned that I tested positive in the UEFA doping test after the first leg of the semifinals against Manchester United. I was really shocked. Honestly, considering I have never taken banned substances in my life, it is hard to believe."
Alvarez continued, "After overcoming my illness, I have been receiving hair loss treatment for several years, and I confirmed that the analysis results indicate that the positive result was due to inadvertently taking hair loss prevention medication that contained a banned substance," adding, "I have received a temporary suspension. An investigation is ongoing, and confidentiality is required, so I cannot provide any further official statements."
Finally, Alvarez stated, "I deeply regret this situation. With the club's support, I am confident that I can return to the pitch as soon as possible while pursuing legal action," adding, "Once the procedures are completed, I will provide all necessary explanations. I am grateful for the club's support from the beginning and express my trust in the judicial system and sports institutions."
Alvarez is known to have suffered from alopecia areata after overcoming testicular cancer twice in the past. This seems to have led him to inadvertently take hormone-related medications that could affect his performance during his treatment.
This is also a significant setback for Bilbao. Even if Alvarez proves that it was a mistake through the appeal process, he cannot avoid a suspension for a certain period. Since doping violations are fundamentally the player's responsibility, there is a possibility of a suspension of more than two years. Bilbao and Alvarez are currently facing an emergency regarding their plans for the next season.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Yerai Alvarez social media.
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