In a high-profile decision, the Australian government has denied entry to Dutch Olympian Steven van de Velde, preventing him from participating in the Beach Volleyball World Championships set to take place in Adelaide. The ruling, announced on Tuesday, is attributed to van de Velde’s criminal history, specifically his 2016 conviction for raping a minor in the UK.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the importance of safety for Australians, stating, “The government will continue to use every tool we have available to ensure that Australians can be safe and feel safe in their communities.” Van de Velde, aware of his past’s potential impact on visa approvals, acknowledged the decision and stated that both he and his teammates had anticipated this outcome.
This visa denial also affects van de Velde’s teammate, Alexander Brouwer, as both athletes will miss the championship. Despite having made his Olympic debut in Paris last year amid controversy, van de Velde’s participation was upheld by the International Olympic Committee due to his qualification through standard procedures.
Following the Olympics, where van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers secured only one victory out of four matches, the pair went on to claim a bronze medal at the 2024 European Beach Volleyball Championships in their home country.
Volleyball Australia’s chief executive, Andrew Dee, was informed of the government’s decision on the day of the announcement. He expressed a shift in focus towards the successful execution of the tournament, highlighting the participation of nine Australian teams.
Van de Velde’s criminal activity dates back to 2014 when, at 19, he traveled to the UK to commit the crime after contacting the victim via social media. He served 13 months in prison on a four-year sentence before returning to his sports career in 2018.
Australia’s visa policies, particularly the “character test,” have been a point of contention. Recently, U.S. commentator Candace Owens was denied entry due to concerns she might incite discord. Similarly, U.S. rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, had his visa revoked after releasing a controversial song.
