Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato faces suspension after positive cocaine test and speeding offence in Sydney

Australia international Cristian Volpato has had his international driving licence suspended for six months after being stopped for speeding in Sydney, with local media also reporting a positive cocaine test.

The 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder, who played for Australia at the 2026 World Cup and featured against Egypt in the last 32, was pulled over by police in New South Wales after allegedly driving at almost twice the legal speed limit.

According to reports carried by Reuters from local outlets, New South Wales Police said they had stopped and detained a 22-year-old man for speeding. The incident involved a vehicle recorded at 109km/h in a zone where the maximum permitted speed is 60km/h.

Volpato subsequently returned a positive sample for cocaine, leading to disciplinary action and the suspension of his international driving licence for half a year.

Australia federation monitoring situation

Football Australia confirmed it is aware of the allegations surrounding one of its players but declined to name the individual involved.

A spokesperson for the Australian federation said in a statement: “كنا على اتصال مع اللاعب ونواصل مراقبة الامر ودعم اللاعب طوال هذه العملية”، دون الكشف عن هويته.

The governing body added that it was continuing to follow developments and offer support to the player while the process is ongoing. No further details of potential football-related sanctions or timelines for any investigation were provided.

Recent Australia and club career

Volpato, who is on the books of Serie A side Sassuolo, appeared in three matches at the 2026 World Cup for Australia. One of those came in the round of 32 tie against Egypt, after he switched his international allegiance earlier this year.

Born and raised in Sydney, Volpato is of Italian descent and previously represented Italy at youth level, although he never made a senior appearance for the Azzurri.

He opted to change his national team affiliation at the end of May, choosing Australia having turned down a call-up for the previous World Cup.

The current case relates to his conduct off the pitch in Sydney and does not involve any allegation of doping within a football context. However, the positive cocaine test and the speeding offence have placed the young midfielder under significant scrutiny from both the authorities and the national federation.

Further action from Football Australia or law enforcement has yet to be announced, and Volpato’s club, Sassuolo, has not publicly commented on the matter.