Socceroos star Cristian Volpato under investigation after alleged positive cocaine test during Sydney traffic stop

Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato is under police investigation after allegedly returning a preliminary positive test for cocaine during a roadside drug screening following two separate speeding incidents in Sydney.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who plays for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo and represents Australia’s national team, had his international driver’s licence suspended for six months by New South Wales (NSW) Police pending further proceedings.

According to NSW Police, Volpato was stopped twice by highway patrol officers within a span of just over two hours in central Sydney.

The first stop occurred at about 11:05 p.m., when police allegedly detected the footballer driving between 86 km/h and 94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. He was issued a traffic infringement notice after returning a negative roadside breath test for alcohol.

At approximately 1:10 a.m., officers intercepted Volpato again after allegedly clocking his BMW at 109 km/h while travelling across the Anzac Bridge, where the speed limit is 60 km/h.

During the second stop, police conducted a roadside oral fluid drug test, which allegedly returned a preliminary positive result for cocaine. A second oral fluid sample was subsequently collected and sent to a forensic laboratory for confirmatory analysis.

Authorities said no criminal charges have been filed against the player at this stage, with any further action dependent on the outcome of the laboratory testing.

Volpato, who was born in Sydney, developed through the youth systems of Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers before joining Italian club AS Roma. After representing Italy at youth international level, he switched allegiance to Australia and has since earned senior caps for the Socceroos, including appearances at the FIFA World Cup.

The alleged incident could also have sporting implications. Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code, cocaine is classified as a prohibited substance in competition, although anti-doping proceedings generally depend on the circumstances surrounding any confirmed test and whether the substance was used in or out of competition.

Football Australia confirmed it is aware of the police investigation and said it is monitoring developments. Volpato is expected to return to Italy for Sassuolo’s pre-season preparations, although his availability could be affected depending on the outcome of the investigation.

The forensic analysis of the second oral fluid sample will determine whether police proceed with further legal action against the player.