Australian national soccer team midfielder Cristian Volpato, 22, was stopped by police twice for speeding on Anzac Bridge in Sydney on the night of Thursday, August 22, 2024.
Timeline of Events
According to police reports:
- First stop (11:05 PM): Volpato was allegedly driving between 86-94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. A roadside alcohol breath test returned a negative result.
- Second stop (1:00 AM): Approximately two hours later, officers stopped him again for allegedly traveling 109 km/h in the same 60 km/h zone.
Drug Test and Penalties
Police said a roadside oral fluid test administered during the second stop returned a positive result for cocaine. Authorities issued an infringement notice for exceeding the speed limit and suspended Volpato's international driver's license for six months, preventing him from driving in New South Wales. A secondary oral fluid sample was taken for further analysis, and police stated inquiries are continuing.
Background
- Volpato represented Australia in three matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where the team reached the round of 16 before losing to Egypt on penalties.
- He previously represented Italy at youth international levels before switching his allegiance to Australia in May 2022.
- Volpato has played for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo since 2023, making 24 league appearances last season.
Organizational Response
Football Australia, the sport's governing body in the country, has been contacted for comment. The organization operates a strict drug regulation policy managed through Sport Integrity Australia. Under these regulations, players or officials who test positive for prohibited substances without a valid therapeutic use exemption may face suspensions of up to four years, or three months if the use occurred out of competition and was not performance-related. BBC Sport has also contacted Volpato's club, Sassuolo, for comment.