Christian Volpato stopped in Sydney: preliminary drug test positive for cocaine

Sassuolo and Australia attacking midfielder Christian Volpato has been stopped by police in Sydney after a preliminary drug test returned positive for cocaine.

The 22-year-old was pulled over while driving a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone early on Thursday morning, according to Australian media reports citing police sources. He was issued a fine for excessive speed and had his licence suspended.

A preliminary roadside drug test indicated cocaine use. A breathalyser test, however, returned negative for alcohol. A second saliva sample has been collected for further laboratory analysis, and police in New South Wales have confirmed the investigation is ongoing.

Volpato had already been stopped two hours earlier and received another speeding ticket, local reports added.

For now, no criminal charges have been laid. But the case carries serious sporting consequences: Football Australia operates strict anti-doping regulations. Players and officials who test positive for prohibited substances without a valid therapeutic use exemption can face suspensions of up to four years.

Volpato switched his sporting nationality from Italy to Australia and represented the Socceroos at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sources

• Gazzetta dello Sport