Cristian Volpato contests cocaine fine in NSW Local Court

Australian footballer Cristian Volpato has pleaded not guilty to driving with cocaine in his system and is challenging a $722 fine in the NSW Local Court. The 22-year-old, a standout for the Socceroos, lost his international driver’s licence in July after being caught speeding on the Anzac Bridge.

Volpato’s legal representative, Paul McGirr, is contesting the infringement by questioning the integrity of the roadside drug testing procedures. The defense is seeking body-worn camera footage from police and footage from the testing facility to investigate potential sample contamination.

Volpato has denied all drug use, with supporters suggesting his drink may have been spiked during a social event in Sydney. His Italian club, Sassuolo, has defended the midfielder, noting that subsequent urine and blood tests conducted upon his return to the club were negative.