SOCCEROOS STAR ALLEGEDLY TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE AFTER SPEEDING

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Socceroos World Cup star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night.

The 22-year-old Australia midfielder was stopped in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday night after he was caught travelling between 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone, police said.

He was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.

However, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine when he was stopped two hours later for travelling at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone.

New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excess speed, while his international driver's licence was suspended for six months - which means he cannot drive in New South Wales.

The police also said their inquiries will continue and a secondary sample of oral fluid was taken for further analysis.

Volpato played in three of Australia's four World Cup matches as they reached the round of 32, where they were knocked out by Egypt in a penalty shootout.

Having represented Italy at youth level, he switched allegiances to Australia in May just before the Socceroos announced their squad for the tournament.

Volpato has played at Serie A side Sassuolo since 2023 and he made 24 league appearances for the club as they finished 11th last season.

BBC Sport has approached Football Australia and Sassuolo for comment.

- Emily Salley

TONY POPOVIC NAMED NEW SOCCERROOS HEAD COACH

Tony Popovic has signed a two-year deal to become the new Socceroos head coach. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Tony Popovic has put pen to paper on a two-year deal to become Socceroos manager with immediate effect.

The 51-year-old was confirmed as Australia's new head coach until the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, three days after Graham Arnold stepped down.

"I am extremely honoured to be given this opportunity to lead the Socceroos as head coach," Popovic said in a statement. "It's a role that comes with great responsibility, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity.

"This is undoubtedly a very proud moment for myself and my family.

"To be entrusted with guiding our national team is a privilege that I do not take lightly.

"I want to express my sincere gratitude to Football Australia for their confidence in my abilities. Their trust motivates me to give my absolute best in this role."

Popovic has been out of work since leaving Melbourne Victory this year but will be thrust straight into the cauldron of AFC World Cup qualification.

With their hopes of automatic qualification under threat following Arnold's last two games in charge, Popovic will be charged with resurrecting the Socceroos' campaign with little build-in towards his first game. The former Western Sydney Wanderers and Perth Glory boss will be in the dugout against China in Adelaide on Oct. 10, before a trip to take on Japan on Oct. 15.

Australia are winless through their first two games of the third stage of qualifiers.

"We have moved swiftly to secure the best possible candidate for this crucial role," said Football Australia chief executive James Johnson.

"Our prompt action reflects our commitment to maintaining the momentum and success of the Socceroos program, especially as we are at the beginning of the critical third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers."

Popovic will have to nominate a long list of players in the next week for those two fixtures, and it remains unclear how many of Arnold's staff intend to stick around for life under their new manager.

- AAP

RAFAEL STUICK SIGNING TURNS INDONESIAN EYES ON BRISBANE

Rafael Struick, 21, has joined Brisbane Roar from Dutch club ADO Den Haag. Angelo Blankespoor/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Brisbane Roar will be banking on similar on-field impact from Indonesia striker Rafael Struick after his signing sent the A-League club's social media following soaring.

The 21-year-old, who led Indonesia's line in their country's scoreless World Cup qualification draw with the Socceroos in Jakarta last week, was confirmed as the Roar's latest acquisition on Monday night.

In less than 24 hours the club's Instagram following has swelled from 69,000 to almost 100,000, a rise attributed to the fanatical Indonesian support base.

The post announcing Struick's arrival dwarfed the engagements garnered by posts confirming high-profile pair Juan Mata and Douglas Costa to the Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC respectively.

"I'm happy to be here and I can't wait to get started," Struick said. "Brisbane is a very big club, playing in a very strong competition.

"I'm excited to play in the A-League and make this move to the other side of the world to make a step outside of my comfort zone.

"I want to help the team as much as possible with my qualities; to score goals and provide assists."

Struick scored a double, including the goal of the tournament, for Indonesia in this year's under-23 Asian Cup quarterfinal victory over South Korea. They reached the semifinals of a campaign that included a win against Australia.

The Netherlands-born talent, eligible for Indonesia through his Javanese grandmother, has made 14 appearances for the country's senior team, coached by former Roar player Shin Tae-Yong.

Struick honed his trade in the Dutch youth system and has played for ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands' second tier since 2022.

The Roar's A-League Men's season begins against Auckland FC on Oct. 19.

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