Cops: World Cup Player Busted for Speeding, Coke

Cristian Volpato, 22, reportedly tested positive for cocaine during traffic stop in Sydney
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jul 24, 2026 1:19 PM CDT
Cops: Aussie World Cup Player Tests Positive for Cocaine
Australia's Cristian Volpato arrives at the stadium ahead of a World Cup soccer match between Australia and Egypt in Arlington, Texas, on July 3.   (AP photo/Sam Hodde)

Cristian Volpato, who represented Australia at the World Cup, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine and also for speeding, New South Wales state police said on Friday. They noted that the 22-year-old Volpato, who switched allegiances from Italy to Australia before the World Cup, was allegedly clocked at about 30mph over the designated speed limit when police stopped him on Sydney's Anzac Bridge early Friday morning, per the AP. ABC Australia reports that Volpato was driving a BMW coupe at the time of his traffic stop.

Volpato was subjected to a roadside drug test, which returned a positive result for cocaine, police said in a statement on Friday. The soccer star was hit with a fine for the alleged fast driving and had his international driver's license suspended for six months, meaning he now can't drive in the Aussie state. "We have been in contact with the player and continue to monitor the matter and support the player throughout this process," noted a Football Australia rep. Volpato made three appearances for the Socceroos at the World Cup, per the AP.

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