Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato has been issued a fine following a positive roadside drug test for cocaine, according to police and media reports released on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder, who currently plays for Italian Serie A club Sassuolo, was stopped by police in Sydney during July for a speeding violation. During the traffic stop, he underwent a roadside drug screening which returned a positive result for cocaine.
New South Wales police confirmed on Wednesday that a second sample collected at the time of the initial test had also tested positive for the substance. Authorities issued a financial penalty of 722 Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately 522 US dollars, to the individual involved. While police did not officially name the person, local media outlets widely identified him as the Italy-based footballer.
In addition to the monetary fine, the player's driving licence has been under suspension since July when the initial test was conducted. The suspension remains in effect as authorities process the case.
Volpato made a notable international career switch just before the 2022 FIFA World Cup, changing his allegiance from Italy to Australia. He went on to represent the Socceroos at the tournament in Qatar, making three appearances for the national team during the competition.
Despite being born and raised in Sydney, Volpato moved overseas to pursue his football career and had previously represented Italy at multiple youth international levels before making the switch to Australia. His dual eligibility stemmed from his Australian birthplace and Italian heritage.
The incident has drawn attention to the off-field conduct of professional athletes. Neither Sassuolo nor Football Australia have released official statements regarding the matter at this time. The case highlights ongoing discussions about the responsibilities and expectations placed on professional sportspeople beyond their performance on the pitch.
