Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato is under police investigation after allegedly being caught speeding twice in Sydney within the same night and returning a positive roadside drug test for cocaine.
According to New South Wales Police, the 22-year-old was first stopped at approximately 11:05pm on Thursday, 23 July, after officers allegedly detected his BMW travelling between 86km/h and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone on Sydney's Anzac Bridge. Police conducted a roadside breath test, which returned a negative alcohol result, and Volpato was issued with an infringement notice for speeding.
Police allege that just over two hours later, at around 1:10am on Friday, 24 July, officers again detected the same vehicle travelling at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone. After the vehicle was stopped on Victoria Road at Rozelle, officers carried out a roadside drug test that allegedly indicated the presence of cocaine. A second oral fluid sample was collected for laboratory analysis, which will determine the final result.
As a result of the alleged speeding offence, Volpato received another infringement notice and his international driver's licence was immediately suspended for six months under NSW road laws. Police have confirmed that inquiries into the alleged drug-driving offence remain ongoing, and no criminal charge relating to the drug test has yet been announced while confirmatory testing is completed.
Under New South Wales legislation, drivers found with cocaine present in their system can face substantial penalties, including significant fines and mandatory licence disqualification. The outcome of the laboratory analysis will determine any further legal action.
Football Australia acknowledged it is aware of the allegations and said it has been in contact with the player while continuing to monitor the matter. The governing body stated it will provide appropriate support while legal processes continue.
Volpato recently emerged as one of Australia's brightest football talents after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Sydney-born midfielder, who plays professionally for Italian club Sassuolo, featured in three World Cup matches for the Socceroos and was widely regarded as one of the team's most promising young players.
The allegations have attracted significant public attention because of Volpato's growing profile in Australian football. Any sporting consequences would depend on the outcome of police investigations and any applicable processes under Football Australia's and Sport Integrity Australia's anti-doping and conduct frameworks.
Police have emphasised that the roadside drug test is preliminary and that the investigation remains ongoing pending confirmatory laboratory testing. Authorities have not announced any court date or further charges at this stage.
