Cristian Volpato, the 22-year-old footballer who represented Australia at the 2026 World Cup after switching allegiance from Italy, has been charged with speeding and tested positive for cocaine in a roadside drug test in Sydney.

According to New South Wales state police, Volpato was stopped early on Friday morning on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge after allegedly being clocked driving 50 km/h (30 mph) over the designated speed limit. He was subjected to a roadside drug test which returned a positive result for cocaine, police said in a statement.

Volpato made three appearances for the Socceroos during the World Cup and has been playing for Serie A club Sassuolo since 2023. He had previously been linked with a switch to Australia ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This incident comes shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup, a tournament noted for its contradictions and ongoing discussions about the future of club football transfers.

Sources