Dutch beach volleyball player niels van de Velde has been denied a visa to compete in the upcoming World Cup in Australia due to a 2016 conviction for sexual assault, the Dutch volleyball association announced today. The decision prevents van de Velde from joining his partner, veteran Alexander Brouwer, adn jeopardizes the team’s chances in the international competition.
The Australian authorities’ decision follows scrutiny of van de Velde’s past, which resurfaced during the Paris Olympics last summer. Despite having secured a bronze medal at the European Championships this summer alongside Brouwer, and rediscovering his enjoyment of the sport, van de Velde will be unable to participate in the World Cup.”We were aware that this could happen,” said Heleen Crielaard, technical director of the Dutch volleyball association, in a press release. “We have attached all the documents requested…and substantiated why, in our opinion, he should be able to play. Unfortunately, we have now been told that it has been decided not to issue the visa. We think that is a shame, but we have no choice but to accept the decision.”
Van de Velde’s past has been a subject of intense media attention. During the Paris Olympics, journalists “flocked to Van de Velde,” according to Dutch broadcaster NOS, and he experienced emotional distress after being eliminated in the eighth finals. Following the Games, he questioned whether he wanted to continue his athletic career, but ultimately found renewed motivation partnering with Brouwer, 35.
The denial of entry to Australia marks a important setback for van de Velde and the Dutch team, and raises questions about the intersection of athletic participation and past criminal convictions. The Dutch volleyball association has indicated it will respect the Australian authorities’ decision.
