Before Steven Van de Velde competed in volleyball at the Olympics, the Dutch Olympic committee NOC*NSF was obliged to implement extra actions.
Van de Velde entered a British prison and was sentenced to four years behind bars after confessing to three counts of rape on a child.
The Dutch-born athlete visited the UK in 2014 to see a small child he had met on Facebook.
At the time of their encounter, the Milton Keynes-based girl was just twelve years old. Van de Velde went on having sex with her despite her age.
Two years later, Van de Velde was found guilty of rape against a child; although he received a four-year jail sentence, Van de Velde only served twelve months.
Since then, Van de Velde has qualified for the Olympics in Paris; this decision has drawn much criticism given the 29-year-old’s criminal record.
Last month, the Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC*NSF) answered public worries: “After his release, Van de Velde sought and received competent treatment. He showed those close by – personally and professionally – self-awareness and introspection.
It also included Van de Velde’s return to the sport under rules established by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo), which outlines criteria allowing athletes to continue competition following conviction.
Although the NOC*NSF allowed Van de Velde to compete, it is now obliged to act further, forcing the volleyball player to stay apart from his fellow Dutch athletes.
Speaking on the situation, the NOCNSF informed the NL Times: “NOCNSF have come to these measures following talks with the beach volleyballer and his colleagues.
“Several more policies address, among other things, beach volleyball player monitoring. No more announcements regarding this will be given in line with the interests of the engaged parties.
The controlling board hoped the ruling would ‘add to a sense of tranquilly for the participants at the Games’.
It carried on: “NOC*NSF regrets the impact of the unexpected renewed attention for everyone who suffers from trauma due to sexual offences and inappropriate behaviour.”
Beginning Friday, July 26, the Olympics will run until Sunday, August 11.