A 2026 World Cup player at the center of a cocaine scandal

Fresh off the 2026 World Cup, Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine following a major speeding offense. The investigation is still ongoing.

Just weeks after representing Australia at the 2026 World Cup, Cristian Volpato finds himself in a precarious situation. According to The Guardian, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder was stopped by police in Sydney after being clocked at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone.

This was reportedly his second speeding offense of the same night. Earlier, the player had already been caught driving between 86 and 94 km/h in another area with a 60 km/h limit. The breathalyzer test at that time reportedly came back negative.

During the second stop, a preliminary saliva test reportedly detected the presence of cocaine. A new sample was collected and sent to a laboratory for confirmation or refutation of the initial result.

His license already suspended

While awaiting the final conclusions, authorities in New South Wales have reportedly suspended his international driving license for six months. No criminal charges related to drugs have been filed at this stage.

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Football Australia is said to be aware of the situation and remains in contact with the Sassuolo player. From a sporting perspective, no automatic sanctions can be discussed until a definitive result is known or an anti-doping procedure is initiated.

Volpato played in three matches during the World Cup. Starting in the round of 16 defeat to Egypt, he was one of the breakout Australian players of the tournament.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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