The 2025 World Championships in Adelaide will proceed without Dutch beach volleyball star Steven van de Velde, who was denied a visa due to a prior criminal conviction. The decision, announced in late October, also affects his partner, Alexander Brouwer, leaving the team unable to compete in the high-profile event.

Van de Velde’s Career and Controversy

Steven van de Velde, who resumed his sports career in 2017 after serving 13 months for a 2016 UK conviction, had been expected to compete in Adelaide alongside Brouwer. Despite his return to international competition and participation in the Paris Olympics, the visa denial reflects Australia’s strict entry policies regarding criminal records.

Impact on the World Championships

The Dutch duo’s absence has altered the competitive landscape of the upcoming tournament. Brouwer expressed disappointment on social media, stating that their season is effectively over. Tournament organizers confirmed the schedule will continue, but the decision has sparked discussion among fans and sports authorities about balancing athlete eligibility with legal accountability.

Van de Velde’s exclusion from the World Championships emphasizes the ongoing tension between athletic achievement and public safety concerns. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how teams adjust to this unexpected change in the competition.