Visa Denied: Netherlands Volleyball Star Faces Australia's Stance on Past Convictions

Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde has been denied a visa by Australia, preventing him from competing in the world championships in Adelaide next month, according to the Dutch volleyball association (Nevobo).

Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in Britain in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl. In light of this and Australian policy, both Van de Velde and his partner Alexander Brouwer will miss the championships beginning on November 14.

Australia's Department of Home Affairs did not comment on the decision, but Van de Velde and his teammates have accepted the outcome. Brouwer expressed his disappointment on social media, marking the end of their season.