Australian Government Bans Dutch Volleyball Player and Convicted Rapist
The Australian government has rejected a visa application from Dutch beach volleyballer Steven van de Velde, who was jailed for raping a 12-year-old girl.
Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in jail in 2016 after pleading guilty to three counts of rape, which took place in August 2014 when he was 19 years old.
Van de Velde had been named in a Dutch team to contest the world championships in Adelaide starting on November 14.
However, the Australian government's decision to reject his visa application means he will not be able to participate in the tournament.
- Van de Velde served 12 months of his sentence and resumed his volleyball career in 2018.
- Volleyball Australia chief executive Andrew Dee was informed of the government's decision on Tuesday morning.
Author's summary: Australia bans Dutch volleyball player.