OWN GOAL

World Cup Star Tests Positive for Drugs, Cops Say

The player was stopped and tested twice within a matter of hours.

Australian soccer player Cristian Volpato, who made three World Cup appearances, has allegedly tested positive for cocaine and was also allegedly caught speeding. The 22-year-old was stopped by police twice within a matter of hours, the Associated Press reported. The first stop occurred at around 11:05 p.m. on Thursday, when he underwent a drug test that came back negative. Roughly two hours later, he was allegedly caught driving 30 mph over the speed limit in a BMW coupe on Sydney’s Anzac Bridge. Police then carried out a second roadside drug test, which allegedly detected cocaine in his system, with a follow-up oral fluid sample taken for further analysis, according to the BBC. The midfielder, who holds dual Italian and Australian citizenship, previously represented Italy at youth level before switching allegiance to the Australian national team in May ahead of the World Cup. He played against the U.S. in the group stage, before Australia were knocked out by Egypt on penalties in the round of 32. In a statement, Football Australia said it was “aware of the allegations involving one of our players,” according to ABC News Australia. “We have been in contact with the player and continue to monitor the matter and support the player throughout this process,” the organization added.