Dutch Olympic beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has been denied a visa to compete in the upcoming Beach Volleyball World Championships in Australia, following his conviction for child rape a decade ago. The decision underscores ongoing concerns about allowing individuals with serious criminal histories into the country for sporting events.
The 31-year-old athlete was scheduled to participate in the championships set to begin in Adelaide on November 14, but the Australian government rejected his visa application. This move effectively bars him from entering Australia and competing in one of the sport’s premier tournaments. The rejection came after South Australia’s Attorney-General Kyam Maher urged federal authorities to refuse the visa, citing the “utterly abhorrent” nature of Van de Velde’s crimes.
In 2016, Van de Velde pleaded guilty to three counts of raping a 12-year-old British girl he met on Facebook. The offences occurred in 2014 when he was 19 years old, after he travelled from the Netherlands to the UK specifically to meet the victim. He was sentenced to four years in prison but served only about 12 months before being released. The case drew widespread condemnation due to the victim’s age and the premeditated nature of the assault.
After his release, Van de Velde resumed his professional volleyball career in 2018 and has since represented the Netherlands in various international competitions. Last year, he competed at the Paris Olympics, where he faced audible boos from spectators during matches. An online petition calling for his ban from the Olympics had garnered over 90,000 signatures, reflecting persistent public outrage over his past actions.
The visa denial was confirmed by Australia’s Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who stated that the government will “continue to use every tool we have available to ensure that Australians can be safe and feel safe in their communities.” This aligns with Australia’s stringent immigration policies, which often deny entry to individuals with convictions for serious offences, particularly those involving children.
With Van de Velde excluded, the Beach Volleyball World Championships will proceed without him, focusing on the competition itself. Andrew Dee, CEO of Volleyball Australia, emphasized that the event will showcase nine Australian teams and aims to be a “spectacular” tournament. Organizers are committed to delivering a successful and inclusive experience for athletes and fans alike.
This incident highlights broader debates about the rehabilitation of athletes and the balance between second chances and public safety. Van de Velde’s case is part of a larger discussion in sports regarding how to handle players with criminal pasts, and the Australian government’s decision may influence future visa applications for similar scenarios.