Dutch volleyball player and convicted rapist denied entry visa to Australia

THE HAGUE, Oct 29 — Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted in 2016 of raping an underaged girl, has been denied a visa to compete in next month’s Beach Volleyball World Championships in Australia.

The 31-year-old served part of his sentence in Britain before returning to the Netherlands and resuming his sports career in 2017.

The Dutch Volleyball Association said it regretted the decision but respected Australia’s strict visa policies for those with criminal records.

Van de Velde, who represented the Netherlands at the Paris 2024 Olympics, said he accepted the outcome and would “bear the consequences” of his past actions. — AFP