Tests conducted on Christian Volpato, star of the Australian national team at the 2026 World Cup, after his arrest in Sydney for speeding, revealed he had taken cocaine, according to media reports and a police announcement about detaining a person without naming him. New South Wales police said in a press release that a 22-year-old man, 'widely identified by local media as Volpato, who plays professionally in Italy,' was caught driving at excessive speed twice during the night. The first time, he passed a roadside alcohol test and received a traffic fine before being stopped again two hours later. This time, he underwent a drug test, which came back positive for cocaine after a second sample was sent for further analysis. Police added in their statement: 'His international driver's license was suspended for six months, resulting in the cancellation of his driving privilege in New South Wales.' Tony Pasha, a Sydney-based coach who trained Volpato before his move to Italy and still acts as his mentor, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the attacking midfielder denied taking cocaine or any other banned substance. He added: 'He insisted he never touched drugs. He was shocked. I am also shocked because it's a serious accusation.' Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in the Italian league, played three matches for Australia at the 2026 World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the global finals. Volpato, who represented Italy at youth levels, was born and raised in Sydney before leaving Australia.