World Cup 2026 Star Allegedly Tests Positive For Cocaine
Australia international Cristian Volpato is reportedly under investigation after allegedly returning a positive roadside drug test for cocaine following two separate traffic stops in Sydney.
According to reports, the 22-year-old midfielder, who represented the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was first pulled over by New South Wales Police at about 11 p.m. local time for driving between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone. A roadside breathalyser test returned a negative result.
Roughly two hours later, police allegedly stopped Volpato again after his BMW Coupe was clocked at 109km/h on the 60km/h-limited Anzac Bridge. During the second stop, a roadside drug test reportedly indicated the presence of cocaine, prompting officers to collect a second sample for laboratory confirmation.
The midfielder received a speeding fine and had his international driver's licence suspended for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales. However, police confirmed that he has not been charged with any criminal offence, with investigations continuing pending the outcome of further analysis.
Volpato featured in Australia's 2026 World Cup campaign, making three appearances after missing the opening group match against Turkey. He played against the United States and Paraguay before featuring in Australia's Round of 32 defeat to Egypt on penalties.
The former Italy youth international switched his international allegiance to Australia in May and made his senior debut in a pre-World Cup friendly against Switzerland.
In a brief statement, Football Australia said it is aware of the allegations involving one of its players but declined to comment further while enquiries remain ongoing.
According to reports, the 22-year-old midfielder, who represented the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was first pulled over by New South Wales Police at about 11 p.m. local time for driving between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone. A roadside breathalyser test returned a negative result.
Roughly two hours later, police allegedly stopped Volpato again after his BMW Coupe was clocked at 109km/h on the 60km/h-limited Anzac Bridge. During the second stop, a roadside drug test reportedly indicated the presence of cocaine, prompting officers to collect a second sample for laboratory confirmation.
The midfielder received a speeding fine and had his international driver's licence suspended for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales. However, police confirmed that he has not been charged with any criminal offence, with investigations continuing pending the outcome of further analysis.
Volpato featured in Australia's 2026 World Cup campaign, making three appearances after missing the opening group match against Turkey. He played against the United States and Paraguay before featuring in Australia's Round of 32 defeat to Egypt on penalties.
The former Italy youth international switched his international allegiance to Australia in May and made his senior debut in a pre-World Cup friendly against Switzerland.
In a brief statement, Football Australia said it is aware of the allegations involving one of its players but declined to comment further while enquiries remain ongoing.
