Socceroos World Cup star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney on the same night, according to police.
Police first stopped the 22-year-old Australia midfielder in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at approximately 11:05 p.m. local time on Thursday. He was traveling between 86 and 94 km/h (about 53 to 58 mph) in a 60 km/h (about 37 mph) zone. A roadside breath test returned a negative result.
Two hours later, police stopped Volpato again for traveling at 109 km/h (about 68 mph) in the same 60 km/h zone. During this second stop, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. A secondary oral fluid sample was collected for further analysis, and police stated that inquiries are ongoing.
New South Wales state police issued Volpato an infringement notice for excess speed. His international driver's license was suspended for six months, prohibiting him from driving in New South Wales.
Volpato was part of the Socceroos squad that reached the Round of 32 in the recent World Cup, playing in three of the team's four matches. He switched his international allegiance to Australia in May, having previously represented Italy at the youth level. Volpato has played for Serie A club Sassuolo since 2023, appearing in 24 league matches last season as the team finished 11th in the standings.
BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.