Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato receives fine after positive cocaine test
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 3:37 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato was fined 722 Australian dollars on Wednesday following a positive roadside test for cocaine. New South Wales state police pulled the 22-year-old over on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge on July 24, where he returned the positive reading. An analysis of a subsequent sample also yielded a positive result, leading to the fine. Volpato maintains his innocence, informing Football Australia staff that he never knowingly ingested the substance. Sassuolo officials reported that the player returned a negative test result upon his return to Italy. Volpato, who plays in Serie A, has appeared in three matches for his club this season but was forced out of a recent game against Bologna with a hamstring injury. He will face no further legal action regarding the July incident.
- •Cristian Volpato was fined 722 Australian dollars for a positive cocaine test.
- •The incident occurred on July 24 on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge.
- •Volpato denies knowingly consuming the substance and tested negative after returning to Italy.
- •The midfielder currently plays for the Italian club Sassuolo in Serie A.
- •Volpato exited a recent match against Bologna due to a hamstring injury.
- 4:33 AMESPN Soccer — Socceroos' Volpato fined for positive cocaine test
- 2:01 AMYahoo Sports — Police fine Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato after positive test for cocaine
"Cristian Volpato, who switched his international soccer allegiance from Italy to Australia just before the World Cup, was fined about $520 on Wednesday after police said he failed testing for cocaine use. The 22-year-old Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A, was pulled over by New South Wales state police on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge on July 24 and returned a positive roadside reading for cocaine. Volpato was handed a fine of 722 Australian dollars and will face no further action.
"Cristian Volpato's immediate availability for the Socceroos rests in the hands of Football Australia after NSW Police confirmed the World Cup star had tested positive for cocaine on a secondary test.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 9, 2026, 4:33 AMSocceroos' Volpato fined for positive cocaine test
Cristian Volpato's immediate availability for the Socceroos rests in the hands of Football Australia after NSW Police confirmed the World Cup star had tested positive for cocaine on a secondary test.
- Yahoo SportsSep 9, 2026, 2:01 AMPolice fine Socceroos midfielder Cristian Volpato after positive test for cocaine
Cristian Volpato, who switched his international soccer allegiance from Italy to Australia just before the World Cup, was fined about $520 on Wednesday after police said he failed testing for cocaine use. The 22-year-old Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in Italy’s Serie A, was pulled over by New South Wales state police on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge on July 24 and returned a positive roadside reading for cocaine. Volpato was handed a fine of 722 Australian dollars and will face no further action.
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