Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato reportedly tested positive for cocaine after being stopped twice for speeding in Sydney overnight. The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder was pulled over twice on the Anzac Bridge before returning a positive roadside drug test.Who Is Involved in the Incident?The player at the centre of the allegations is Cristian Volpato, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who plays professionally for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo. Born in Sydney, Volpato represented Italy at youth international levels before switching his senior national team eligibility to Australia ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The law enforcement agency handling the case is the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force.What Happened During the Traffic Stops?According to NSW Police, Volpato was first intercepted at approximately 11:05 p.m. while driving a BMW Coupe across Sydney's Anzac Bridge. Authorities allege he was travelling between 86 km/h and 94 km/h in a designated 60 km/h speed zone. He passed an initial breath test for alcohol and received a speeding fine before being allowed to leave.Less than two hours later, at around 1:10 a.m., police stopped the vehicle on the same bridge after recording its speed at 109 km/h—nearly double the legal speed limit. During this second encounter, Volpato underwent a roadside drug test that allegedly indicated the presence of cocaine.Where and When Did the Incidents Take Place?Both traffic stops occurred on the Anzac Bridge in Sydney, Australia, late Thursday night and early Friday morning. The timing comes shortly after Volpato returned home following Australia's campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.Why Are Authorities Conducting Secondary Testing?Roadside oral drug screenings serve as preliminary detection mechanisms under Australian traffic laws. Following the initial positive result, police collected a secondary oral fluid sample from Volpato, which has been dispatched to an accredited laboratory for formal confirmatory analysis. Police suspended Volpato's international driving licence for six months, though no formal criminal charges regarding drug possession or driving under the influence of drugs have been laid pending laboratory confirmation.How Have Football Australia and the Player Reacted?Football Australia acknowledged awareness of the situation, stating they have contacted Volpato and will continue monitoring developments while supporting the player through the legal process. Volpato’s representatives have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the police allegations.also read : Safe Study Destinations: Best Countries for International Students
