Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, a convicted child rapist, has been denied a visa to enter Australia for the upcoming world championships. The Australian government rejected his application, citing safety concerns.
Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 after pleading guilty to three counts of raping a 12-year-old British girl he met on social media in 2014. He served 13 months before resuming his volleyball career in 2018.
Tony Burke, Australia’s minister for home affairs, stated: “The government will continue to use every tool we have available to ensure that Australians can be safe and feel safe in their communities.” The Dutch volleyball association expressed regret but accepted the decision.
Van de Velde faced jeers from spectators at the Paris Olympics last year, where he and partner Matthew Immers were eliminated in the quarter-finals. Volleyball Australia CEO Andrew Dee emphasised the focus remains on delivering a successful event, with nine Australian teams competing.
