Australia World Cup midfielder Cristian Volpato allegedly tests positive for cocaine after two speeding stops in Sydney

Published Jul 24, 08:59 AM UTC

Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old Australia World Cup midfielder, allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney on the same night. Police stopped him on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm for driving 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone; a roadside breath test was negative. Two hours later, he was stopped again for traveling 109km/h in the same zone and allegedly returned a positive cocaine result. His international driver's license was suspended for six months, and a secondary oral fluid sample was taken for further analysis. Volpato played in three of Australia's four World Cup matches, reaching the round of 32. He switched allegiance from Italy to Australia in May 2026 and plays for Serie A side Sassuolo. Football Australia and the players' union said they are monitoring the matter and supporting the player.