Beach Volleyball Player Van de Velde Misses World Championship Over 2016 Conviction
Beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has missed the opportunity to compete in the World Championship in Adelaide due to visa issues. The event is scheduled from November 14 to 23. Van de Velde, alongside his teammate Alexander Brouwer, was unable to travel because he was denied an Australian visa. This decision is rooted in Australia’s strict immigration policies regarding individuals with criminal convictions.
Background of Visa Denial
Van de Velde faced serious legal issues in 2016 when he received a four-year prison sentence for engaging in sexual relations with a minor in England. The victim in this case was only 12 years old. Under British law, this constitutes rape, regardless of consent. At the time of the offense, Van de Velde was 19 years old.
Reaction to Visa Outcome
With only a few weeks left before the championship, Van de Velde expressed his acceptance of the visa denial. He highlighted that both he and his team were aware of the potential complications due to his past. “We anticipated that the combination of the Australian authorities’ policies and my history might pose a problem for obtaining a visa,” he said.
Statements from Volleyball Authorities
Heleen Crielaard, the technical director of the Dutch volleyball federation, expressed disappointment over the visa rejection. “We were mindful that this could happen,” Crielaard stated. The federation provided all requested documentation to support Van de Velde’s application. However, the decision to deny the visa surprised them.
Impact on Van de Velde’s Career
Van de Velde’s past has cast a shadow on his sports career, especially during the recent Olympic Games in Paris. He faced significant backlash, including calls from international victim organizations to bar him from participation. Although the International Olympic Committee did not support this, the media scrutiny was intense. After his elimination from the competition, Van de Velde broke down in tears on the sidelines.
Following the Olympics, he contemplated his future in competitive sports. In recent months, partnering with seasoned player Brouwer, Van de Velde rediscovered his passion for the game. Together, they claimed the bronze medal at the European Championship this summer.
Other Dutch Teams at the Championship
Despite Van de Velde’s absence, five other Dutch teams will participate in the World Beach Volleyball Championship in Adelaide. The male teams include:
- Stefan Boermans / Yorick de Groot
- Matthew Immers / Ruben Penninga
On the female side, the competing pairs are:
- Emi van Driel / Wies Bekhuis
- Mila Konink / Desy Poiesz
- Raïsa Schoon / Katja Stam
