After reviewing the player's case, UEFA has ruled that the Athletic Club defender committed an unintentional violation of the doping rules and will therefore be able to return to training with the Basque club from February 2, 2026.
Athletic released a statement this morning, reading:
"Following the completion of the investigation phase, UEFA's disciplinary body has issued a ruling and imposed a ten-month ban on Yeray Álvarez.
"In its decision, UEFA acknowledges that there was no intentionality on the part of the player, considering it proven that the ingestion of the prohibited substance was due to the incorrect use of a preventative medication against hair loss belonging to his partner containing said substance, without the intention of doping.
"The federation body recalls that, in accordance with current regulations, the athlete is responsible for his actions and, consequently, should have confirmed whether the medication was permitted before taking it.
"The sanction begins on June 2, as Yeray Álvarez voluntarily accepted the provisional suspension, so he will be able to return to competition from April 2, 2026. However, the player can join team training two months earlier, in accordance with the applicable regulations."