Australian International Loses License After Speeding Incident and Positive Cocaine Test

Australian international footballer Cristian Volpato has tested positive for cocaine after being pulled over by police for speeding in Sydney, local media reports.

New South Wales authorities stated that a 22-year-old man driving a BMW was stopped by police after being clocked at 109 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the Anzac Bridge around 1:10 AM local time this morning.

He was issued a speeding ticket, and his international driver's license was temporarily suspended for six months. Authorities are continuing their investigation. Several Australian media outlets identified Cristian Volpato as the driver, citing statements from local authorities.

"We are in contact with the player and continue to monitor the situation," said a spokesperson for Football Australia, without naming the footballer. The Professional Footballers Australia union commented: "We are aware of the information concerning Cristian Volpato and will provide him with support."

The forward, who has Italian roots, plays for Sassuolo in Serie A and represented Italy at several youth levels before switching allegiances and making his senior debut for Australia this year. Volpato has four caps for the country, three of which came at the World Cup in North America earlier this summer.