Australian midfielder Cristian Volpato, 22, allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night. He was first stopped on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05 pm, travelling 86‑94 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. A roadside breath test was negative, but a second stop two hours later found him at 109 km/h, where a roadside drug test returned a positive for cocaine.

New South Wales state police issued Volpato an infringement notice for excess speed and suspended his international driver’s licence for 6 months, meaning he cannot drive in the state. A secondary oral‑fluid sample was taken for further analysis, and police said the inquiry will continue.

Volpato played in three of Australia’s four World Cup matches as the Socceroos reached the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Egypt in a penalty shoot‑out. He had represented Italy at youth level before switching allegiances to Australia in May, just before the tournament squad was announced.

BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.