Yeray: “It was a human error and I accept the consequences”

On 8 September, UEFA's disciplinary body ruled that Yeray Álvarez's positive test was due to an unintentional error and issued him with a 10-month ban which will prevent him from playing for Athletic Club until 2 April. 

Two days afterwards, the player has held a press conference at the Carlton Hotel in Bilbao to explain the personal circumstances that led him to unknowingly take an unauthorised substance without any intention of gaining a competitive advantage.

During the press conference, which was attended by Yeray's teammates, coaching staff as well as institutional and sporting representatives from Athletic Club, Yeray answered various questions related to the case. 

The defender was an open book with nothing to hide.

In a brief introduction prior to the questions, the defender explained that he began treatment for alopecia in 2022 after overcoming cancer. He also pointed out that his partner, with whom he lives, has been undergoing preventive treatment for hair loss since 2024. 

One night, Yeray was about take his medication at home and realised he had run out. 

"I was used to a routine that I was unable to stick to that night and, as a result of the stress, I took my partner’s pill, thinking it contained the same thing," Yeray said.

With that thought in mind, and the mistaken belief that his partner's tablets were the same as his own, he took the medicine which, in addition to minoxidil, contained the unauthorised substance. 

In this opening statement, Yeray expressed his regret for the damage caused to the club, where he has been for almost 20 years, and said he accepts the consequences of his mistake.

He said: "I apologise to Athletic, my teammates and the fans, because although I am the one suffering from this situation, I know that it also affects them greatly, as they have been left without a player.

"On a personal level, it's very difficult. It's very difficult to be away from my teammates every day, and I'm the first person who would like to be with the team competing in the Champions League.

Yeray confirmed that he informed the club of his "intention not to receive any payment whatsoever" during the period of his suspension.

"It was a human error that I accept responsibility for, and that is the way it is," he added.

When asked about the possibility of appealing against the sanction, the player replied that his "lawyers are looking into it" and that "they are examining all the documentation and will assess what to do."

Regarding his current situation in which he must train away from Lezama, Yeray said: "The dressing room supports me and has made me feel like I'm still one of the team.

"I recieved a message from Iñaki saying that the Copa final is in April and that I'll be there to lift it. I just want to get back so I can help the team."