Socceroos star allegedly tests positive for cocaine after speeding

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that Australia footballer Cristian Volpato allegedly returned a positive roadside test for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney on Thursday night. The 22-year-old midfielder, who played for the Socceroos at the World Cup, was driving a BMW Coupe when police first pulled him over on the Anzac Bridge at about 11:05pm local time, after he was allegedly recorded at 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone.

According to New South Wales police details cited by BBC Sport, Volpato took a roadside breath test after the first stop and it was negative. Police said he was stopped again roughly two hours later, allegedly travelling at 109km/h in the same speed zone, and then returned a positive result for cocaine. Officers issued an infringement notice for excessive speed and suspended his international driver’s licence for six months, meaning he cannot drive in New South Wales.

Police said their inquiries are ongoing and that a secondary oral-fluid sample was collected for further testing. BBC Sport said it had contacted Football Australia and Volpato’s club, Sassuolo, for comment.

Volpato’s case draws attention because he recently became part of Australia’s senior national team setup after previously representing Italy at youth level. BBC Sport reported that he switched allegiance to Australia in May before the Socceroos named their World Cup squad, and that he appeared in three of Australia’s four matches at the tournament. At club level, he has been with Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023 and made 24 league appearances last season.