Australian Government Bans Dutch Volleyball Player
The Australian government has rejected a visa application from Dutch beach volleyballer Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of rape.
Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in jail in 2016 for pleading guilty to three counts of raping a 12-year-old girl he met on social media.
- The offences took place in August 2014, when van de Velde was 19 years old.
- He served 12 months of his sentence and resumed his volleyball career in 2018.
The Australian government has rejected the visa application of van de Velde, who was named in a Dutch team to contest the world championships in Adelaide.
Van de Velde's ban from entering Australia comes ahead of the world titles starting on November 14.
Volleyball Australia chief executive Andrew Dee was informed of the government's decision on Tuesday morning.
Van de Velde's case has sparked concern and the Australian government has taken a firm stance on his visa application.
Author's summary: Australia bans Dutch volleyballer convicted of rape.