Tests conducted on Australian national team star for the 2026 World Cup, Christian Volpato, after he was stopped 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 statement that a 22-year-old man, widely identified by local media as Volpato who plays professionally in Italy, was caught speeding twice during the night.

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He passed the roadside alcohol test the first time and received a traffic infringement notice before being stopped again two hours later. This time he underwent a drug test, which came back positive for cocaine, according to police, who sent a second sample for further analysis. Police said: 'His international driving license has been suspended for six months, resulting in the withdrawal of his driving privilege in New South Wales.'

Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in the Italian league, played three matches for the Australian national team in the World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the global finals.

Volpato, who represented Italian youth national teams, was born and raised in Sydney before leaving Australia.

Sydney-based coach Tony Basha, who trained Volpato before his move to Italy and still serves as a mentor, told the Sydney Morning Herald that the attacking midfielder denied taking cocaine or any other banned substance.

Basha added: 'He was adamant that he hasn't touched it (drugs). He was shocked. I am also shocked because it is a serious allegation.'