Australian footballer Cristian Volpato, a star of the 2026 World Cup, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night.
Speeding Incidents and Drug Test
The 22-year-old midfielder was first stopped while driving a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05 PM local time on Thursday night after being caught travelling between 86-94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, according to New South Wales state police. He underwent a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
Approximately two hours later, at around 1:10 AM on Friday, Volpato was stopped again for travelling at 109 km/h in the same 60 km/h zone on the Anzac Bridge. This time, he allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine in a roadside oral fluid test.
Penalties and Investigation
Police issued Volpato an infringement notice for excess speed, and his international driver's licence was suspended for six months, meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales. Authorities stated that inquiries will continue, and a secondary sample of oral fluid has been taken for further analysis.
World Cup Performance and Career
Volpato played in three of Australia's four World Cup matches as they reached the round of 32, where they were eliminated by Egypt in a penalty shootout. He previously represented Italy at youth level but switched his allegiance to Australia in May, just before the Socceroos announced their World Cup squad.
Volpato has been playing for Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023, making 24 league appearances last season as the club finished 11th.
