CRISTIAN VOLPATO TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE IN POLICE DRUG SCREENING

Cristian Volpato, an Australian international footballer, returned a positive result for cocaine during a police drug screening on 24 July in Sydney. The 22-year-old Sassuolo forward was pulled over by NSW Police on the Anzac Bridge while driving at 109 kilometres per hour in a 60 kilometre per hour zone. Police conducted a roadside screening that returned a positive reading for cocaine. Volpato subsequently underwent a secondary oral fluid test, which also confirmed the presence of cocaine.

Volpato maintained his innocence when speaking to Football Australia staff, insisting he had not knowingly ingested the substance. An independent test conducted at a private clinic returned a negative result, according to one account, though a subsequent police-ordered secondary oral fluid test confirmed the positive finding. Volpato also underwent testing after returning to Italy, which his club Sassuolo said was negative. NSW Police issued him a traffic infringement notice and a fine of $722, with the force confirming he would face no further action. Volpato was a late inclusion in Australia's World Cup squad after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia before the tournament.

Football Australia stated it was aware of the reported secondary oral test result and was seeking independent verification of the finding. The matter is being managed in accordance with Football Australia's established protocols. The organisation has the power to suspend Volpato from the national team, though his immediate availability for the Socceroos remains uncertain pending the outcome of Football Australia's review.