Australian Soccer Player Christian Volpato Tests Positive for Cocaine

Christian Volpato, a member of the Australian national soccer team, was found to have used cocaine after being stopped in Sydney for speeding, according to media reports and a police announcement that did not name the individual.

The New South Wales Police issued a statement indicating 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.

During the first incident, he passed a roadside breathalyzer test and was issued a traffic infringement. However, he was stopped again two hours later.

On the second occasion, a drug test was administered, which returned positive for cocaine, the police said. A second sample was sent for further analysis.

The police added, "His international driving license has been suspended for six months, resulting in the revocation of his driving privileges in New South Wales."

Volpato, who plays for Sassuolo in the Italian league, has appeared in three matches for Australia in the World Cup after switching his international allegiance from Italy to Australia shortly before the tournament.

Born in Sydney and having represented Italy at youth levels, Volpato left Australia to pursue his career abroad.

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

Basha stated, "He was adamant that he did not touch it. He was shocked. I am also shocked because this is a serious accusation."