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Socceroos star Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine after two speeding stops in Sydney
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Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old Australia midfielder who played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding on the same night in Sydney. Police stopped him at 11:05 PM on Thursday on the Anzac Bridge for driving 86-94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone; a roadside breath test was negative. Two hours later, he was stopped again for traveling at 109 km/h in the same zone, and an oral fluid test allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. Volpato was issued an infringement notice, his international driver's license was suspended for six months, and a secondary sample has been sent for further analysis. He played for Sassuolo in Serie A and represented Australia in the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Egypt in the round of 32. Football Australia and Sassuolo have been contacted for comment.
Source report
Image caption: Volpato switched allegiances from Italy to Australia in May
By Emily Salley, BBC Sport journalist
Socceroos World Cup star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night.
The 22-year-old Australia midfielder was stopped in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday night after he was caught travelling between 86–94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, police said.
He was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
However, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine when he was stopped two hours later for travelling at 109 km/h in the same 60 km/h zone.
New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excess speed, while his international driver's licence was suspended for six months — meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales.
Police also said their inquiries will continue and a secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis.
Volpato played in three of Australia's four World Cup matches as they reached the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Having represented Italy at youth level, he switched allegiances to Australia in May, just before the Socceroos announced their squad for the tournament.
Volpato has played at Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023 and made 24 league appearances for the club as they finished 11th last season.
BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.
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BBC SportWestern
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Socceroos star Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine in Sydney speeding stop