Beach volleyball child rapist barred from entering Australia

Disgraced Dutch beach volleyball player Steven van de Velde, who was convicted of raping a 12-year-old British girl at the age of 19, has been barred from entering Australia for the world championships.

Van de Velde was selected to represent the Netherlands at the world titles taking place in Adelaide from November 14-23.

But Wide World of Sports has confirmed with an informed source that Van de Velde, who's now 31, won't be able to enter Australia after having his application for a visa denied.

READ MORE: Ex-Roosters star's 'heartbreaking' diagnosis

READ MORE: Are F1 conspiracy theorists right about McLaren? Probably not

READ MORE: AFL boss gives troubled star final warning as 'standards' slip

Van de Velde was in 2016 sentenced to four years in prison after admitting to three counts of rape against a child he had met and groomed on Facebook.

He was released from prison after 13 months and resumed his beach volleyball career in 2018.

He was booed by spectators while competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The South Australian government wrote to the federal government this month urging van de Velde's visa application to be rejected.

"It is my view, and that of the South Australian government, that Mr van de Velde should not be granted a visa," SA Deputy Premier Kyam Maher said in the letter.

"This individual's offending is utterly abhorrent, and we do not believe that foreign child sex offenders should be granted entry to this country."

Ahead of van de Velde's involvement in the Paris Olympics, the Netherlands' chef de mission for the Games defended the decision to let him compete.

"Van de Velde has fully engaged with all requirements and has met all the stringent risk assessment thresholds, checks and due diligence," Pieter van den Hoogenband said.

"Experts have stated that there is no risk of recidivism.

"Van de Velde has consistently remained transparent about the case which he refers to as the most significant misstep of his life. He deeply regrets the consequences of his actions for those involved."