Cristian Volpato’s licence suspended after alleged cocaine roadside test
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Australia midfielder Cristian Volpato has had his international driving licence suspended for six months after police stopped him twice for alleged speeding in Sydney and said he returned a positive roadside cocaine test. The result remains subject to further analysis, while New South Wales Police continue their inquiries; Football Australia and the players’ union said they were supporting him.
Police said the 22-year-old was first stopped at 11:05pm on Thursday on the Anzac Bridge, travelling between 86 and 94km/h in a 60km/h zone, and recorded a negative breath test. Around two hours later he was allegedly travelling at 109km/h in the same zone, received a speeding infringement notice and provided a secondary oral-fluid sample after the alleged cocaine result. Volpato, who switched from Italy to Australia in May, played three World Cup matches and made 24 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo last season.
- Volpato’s licence was suspended after two alleged speeding incidents.
- Police alleged a positive roadside cocaine test.
- Further analysis and police inquiries remain ongoing.
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Cristian Volpato is an Australian footballer who plays as a midfielder and has represented the Socceroos, Australia’s men’s national team. He has also played club football in Italy, including for Sassuolo, and has been regarded as one of a younger group of players developing their international careers.
In New South Wales, police can carry out roadside drug tests on drivers using an oral-fluid sample. An initial positive result can be followed by further testing, and any final legal or disciplinary outcome depends on the results of the full analysis and any subsequent proceedings.
Speeding and drug-driving allegations can lead to penalties including fines, licence suspension and court action, depending on the circumstances and evidence. For professional footballers, such cases may also raise questions for their club and national governing body, which have their own conduct and anti-doping rules.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Volpato's conduct represents serious public safety violations. Speeding twice within two hours in a built-up zone shows reckless endangerment, whilst an alleged positive cocaine test—even pending laboratory confirmation—indicates concerning substance use. Professional athletes occupy privileged positions and must maintain high standards; consistent enforcement regardless of status protects public safety and sport's credibility. The licence suspension is a proportionate response to these violations.
The case against
The cocaine test remains unconfirmed, and roadside oral-fluid tests are known to produce false positives; imposing harsh consequences before conclusive laboratory analysis violates fundamental fairness. Volpato is only 22 years old, and institutional backing from Football Australia and the players' union reflects recognition that young people deserve support and opportunity for rehabilitation. A measured approach respecting due process would be preferable to immediate suspension pending confirmed results.
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Originally published by BBC Sport as “Socceroos star allegedly tests positive for cocaine after speeding”.