Football: A player returning from the World Cup tests positive for cocaine

Australian midfielder Cristian Volpato was arrested by police for speeding in Sydney and then tested positive for cocaine, just days after participating in the 2026 World Cup, according to several Australian media outlets on Friday.

New South Wales police, without naming the man, reported that a 22-year-old was caught speeding twice overnight in Sydney. According to several Australian media outlets, he is Australian international Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy's Serie A and recently participated in the World Cup in the United States with the Socceroos.

During the first check, he passed a breathalyzer test and received a ticket before being stopped again two hours later, police said.

This time, he underwent a drug test which came back positive for cocaine, according to police. A second sample was sent for further analysis.

"His international driving permit has been suspended for six months, thus removing his right to drive in New South Wales," police said.

Volpato played three matches for the Socceroos at the World Cup after choosing to represent Australia rather than Italy shortly before the tournament.

Born and raised in Sydney before going abroad, he had previously represented Italy in various youth categories.

Tony Basha, a Sydney-based coach who trained Cristian Volpato before he left for Italy and is described as his mentor, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the attacking midfielder denied using cocaine or any other illicit substances.

"He strongly asserted that he never touched it," Basha said. "He was in shock. I am in shock myself, because this is a serious accusation."