In a shocking development, Australian soccer sensation Cristian Volpato has reportedly tested positive for cocaine following a bridge traffic stop.
The 22-year-old athlete, known for his participation in the World Cup representing Australia, was pulled over twice during the night for speeding, according to New South Wales Police on Friday.
Volpato was behind the wheel of a BMW when he was allegedly recorded traveling at 109 km/h — almost 50 km/h above the speed limit — on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge at 1:10 a.m. on Friday.
Upon being stopped, Volpato was given a roadside drug test that police claim yielded a positive result for cocaine.
Authorities have since taken a secondary oral fluid sample for further laboratory analysis.
His international driver’s licence was suspended for six months.
Volpato had earlier been stopped at 11.05pm on Thursday, police said, for travelling between 86 and 94km/h in a 60 zone.
He was given a fine.
Volpato returned a negative result when he was given the initial roadside breath test.
Volpato, who plays club football for Italian side Sassuolo, made three appearances for the Socceroos at the World Cup.
He made headlines shortly before the tournament when he switched his international allegiance from Italy to Australia.
Volpato, who was born and raised in Sydney and played his junior football at Sydney United 58, Sydney FC and Western Sydney before moving overseas, represented Italy at U19 and U20 level.
The 22-year-old, who has scored seven goals in his three seasons with Sassuolo after two seasons with fellow Serie A club Roma, said in March he was “waiting for Italy” to select him for the senior side, who subsequently failed to qualify for the World Cup.