Overview
- Police stopped Volpato twice on the Anzac Bridge area and the second stop, recorded at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone, produced a preliminary roadside saliva test that reported cocaine, according to local reporting.
- Officers collected a second saliva sample for laboratory analysis, suspended his international driving licence for six months and issued speeding fines while New South Wales Police continue their investigation.
- There are no criminal charges at this stage and Volpato has denied using cocaine, with his former coach Tony Basha publicly saying the player 'categorically' rejects the allegation.
- Under Australian football’s anti-doping code a confirmed positive for a prohibited substance can carry bans of up to four years, but formal sporting sanctions require laboratory confirmation and any disciplinary process.
- Volpato is a 22-year-old Sassuolo midfielder who represents Australia, played at the last World Cup, was due to return to club preseason and has been linked to transfer interest, so a confirmed result could have significant career and reputational consequences.