While it is commonly accepted that athletes should not use any performance enhancing drugs, it raises serious questions when there is a punishment for such inadvertent happenstance, as one that involves medication for a sickness. Especially if it’s one as serious as cancer. The recent 10-month ban imposed upon Yeray Alvarez, raises such questions. Questions about unfairness. And unfairness undermines the first rule of the entire structure that is football, including the professionals that render their online betting services.
The case of Yeray Alvarez’ 10-month ban
First of all, the player in question is a defender for Athletic Bilbao. After a match for the Europa League against Manchester United (Bilbao lost 3-0), he was tested for the use of controlled substances, as per UEFA’s rules. The test conclusively indicated that there had been use of the diuretic Canrenone, which can be used as a masking agent for other PEDs. So, in fact, it is not even case of an illicit drug, but a case of a side medication that can cover the use of one.
Here comes the first «suspicious» element of the incident. According to the defense during UEFA’s hearing, Alvarez had been using this diuretic since he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016. So, for 9 years, no one said anything about it? He did not go through other tests? For a substance that is part of a medication to treat the alopecia (hair loss) that results from cancer treatments?
OK but you’re getting punished anyway…
According to the statement released, UEFA accepted the inadvertent nature of the use of the controlled substance, nevertheless, the punishment stood. As per the wording, Alvarez was found guilty of committing a non-intentional anti-doping rule violation. In other words, Mr Alvarez you should have lost all your hair rather than taking a masking agent for other PEDs…
When the accusation surfaced, the player accepted a provisional ban until the hearing, that started Jun 02, 2025. Hence, the punishment got backdated and he will be eligible to appear again as of April 02, 2026. Strangely enough, there has been no reaction from his club about the case. And that raises even more questions.
Who gave him Canrenone?
Canrenone is not readily dispersed from pharmacies. It needs a prescription. So, who gave him that prescription? It is quite difficult to believe that it is a case of self-medication. Even if Alvarez went on his own to a drug store to ask for something that would prevent hair loss, he would have been given something with furosemide, amiloride, or thiazide, all of them diuretics that do not require a prescription. It is rather evident that a doctor is involved. Did they give a testimony in the hearing? There was no word on that…
Of course, it is also quite possible, that he acquired the medication through the internet, where, it is well-established that any drug can be purchased freely. However, he had to know that the drug existed. And that means someone told him about it…
There are many unanswered questions here. There’s a permeating feeling that Alvarez’ treatment was quite unfair. It is one more case, that raises issues with the two major ruling bodies of the most popular sport. And when there are such issues, the entire chain suffers. From the pure fans, to the players, to the managers, to those who just want to open an account at the best betting software. It undermines the trust that is the absolute prerequisite on the integrity of football.
