Overview

• UEFA conducted an anti-doping test on May 1 following Athletic Bilbao’s 3–0 Europa League semifinal first-leg loss to Manchester United.
• Alvarez confirmed on July 10 that he tested positive for a banned substance and attributed it to accidental ingestion of hair-loss medication used after his cancer treatment.
• He emphasized that he has never knowingly used prohibited drugs and is preparing his defense with the club’s support.
• Athletic Bilbao released an official statement backing Alvarez and expressing confidence in UEFA’s disciplinary bodies.
• UEFA has provisionally suspended Alvarez from competition pending a confidential disciplinary hearing.