Overview
- NSW Police said a secondary oral fluid sample taken after a July 24 roadside stop on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge detected cocaine and the player was issued a A$722 Traffic Infringement Notice with no criminal charges.
- Cristian Volpato maintains he never knowingly ingested cocaine and both a private test and a Sassuolo club test conducted after the incident were reported as negative.
- Football Australia has confirmed it is seeking independent verification and is managing the matter under its protocols, with sources saying the case could be referred to its disciplinary and ethics committee.
- Socceroos coach Tony Popovic declined to comment on Volpato’s selection while the review continues, leaving the midfielder’s availability for upcoming friendlies and the January Asian Cup unresolved.
- Police oral fluid road tests are administratively authoritative in NSW and can conflict with later private club tests, and past Football Australia rulings show a driving-related positive can still trigger suspension and reputational damage for a player.