Cristian Volpato’s Socceroos Future in Doubt After Cocaine Test

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Cristian Volpato's immediate future with the Socceroos has been thrown into doubt after a second police test returned positive for cocaine.

The 22-year-old was stopped by police on Sydney's Anzac Bridge on July 24 after allegedly driving at 109km/h in a 60km/h zone.

A roadside drug test indicated the presence of cocaine, prompting a secondary oral-fluid sample for further analysis.

That second test has now also returned a positive result.

Volpato has consistently maintained that he did not knowingly take cocaine. He subsequently underwent independent testing after returning to Italy, which reportedly returned a negative result. His club, Sassuolo, also said he underwent medical, blood and urine testing that returned negative results.

NSW Police confirmed that Volpato was issued a $722 traffic infringement notice for driving with an illicit drug present in his oral fluid. His international driver's licence was also suspended.

Importantly, Volpato has not been charged with a criminal offence and police have indicated there will be no further action against him over the incident.

The bigger question now concerns his football career and what it means for the Socceroos?

Football Australia has confirmed it is reviewing the matter under its established protocols.

The organisation has strict regulations surrounding prohibited substances, meaning the positive police test could potentially result in disciplinary action even though Volpato is not facing criminal charges.

Socceroos coach Tony Popovic has refused to speculate on whether Volpato will be selected for Australia's upcoming fixtures against Brazil.

"There is a process that's playing out at the moment and we need to follow that process," Popovic said.

That process could have major implications for Volpato's international future, particularly with the Asian Cup approaching in January 2027.

What happens next could have significant consequences for one of Australia's most promising young footballers.