Socceroos young gun’s second sample tests positive for cocaine
Socceroos young gun Cristian Volpato has had a second sample test positive for cocaine after being stopped on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge in July.
The Sydney Morning Herald broke the news on Wednesday, with a Football Australia spokesperson saying, “We are currently seeking independent verification” about the news.
Australia’s Cristian Volpato. AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
After being contacted by nine.com.au, NSW Police confirmed as much.
“He was subjected to a roadside drug test which allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine,” a police statement said of the events on the night of July 21.
“A secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis.
“Following inquiries, on Tuesday 1 September 2026, a 22-year-old man was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice for drive motor vehicle with illicit drug present in oral fluid etc with a $722 fine.”
Volpato’s lawyer told the Herald he will consider appealing the fine, given he maintains he did not willingly ingest cocaine.
“Our client has never touched cocaine and strenuously denies consuming it ever,” lawyer Paul McGirr said.
The Herald reports Volpato has told people close to him he believes his drink may have been spiked that night.
The 22-year-old has already had his international driver’s licence suspended for six months after being caught driving almost 50km/h over the speed limit on the night of July 21.
He was stopped twice in the same spot on one night while driving a BMW across the bridge. He said he had been attending a party in Sydney’s CBD.
The day after being charged, Volpato flew to Italy to rejoin his Serie A club Sassuolo.
He has scored two goals in the team’s first five games this season, but suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend.
Cristian Volpato of Australia controls the ball. Hannah Peters
The injury means Socceroos coach Tony Popovic will likely not consider him for selection in the Australian squad for games against Brazil in Queensland later this month.
“These young men, things happen and you can get caught for something that we have to look into,” Popovic told media during a press conference on Tuesday.
“There is a process that’s playing out at the moment about that, and we need to follow that process.”
Volpato was a breakout star of Australia’s World Cup campaign earlier this year.
He snubbed Italy to pledge allegiance to Australia and is considered one of the country’s best young talents.
