Australian star Cristian Volpato suspended after cocaine test in Sydney
Cristian Volpato, a 22‑year‑old midfielder for Italy’s Sassuolo and a recent Socceroos starter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was stopped by New South Wales police on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge on two occasions during the early hours of 24 July 2026. The first stop resulted in a speeding infringement; a second stop about two hours later recorded a speed of 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. Police then performed a roadside oral‑fluid drug test that allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine. A second sample was taken for laboratory confirmation, and Volpato’s international driver’s licence was suspended for six months. No criminal charges have been laid while the police investigation continues. Football Australia has said it is monitoring the situation, and Sassuolo confirmed the player will attend pre‑season medicals but offered no comment on the alleged drug use. Volpato has denied taking cocaine and awaits the outcome of the confirmatory test.