Kelly Slater Warned He'll Be Banned From Coming To Australia If He's Still Unvaccinated

Kelly Slater has been warned he has 'no chance' of getting into Australia without being vaccinated.

Despite the World Surf League (WSL) not making Covid jabs mandatory, it appears the federal government is looking to avoid another Novak Djokovic scandal.

The surfing legend has made it no secret that he is against getting the Covid-19 jab, an often uses his social media platform to broacast his view on the vaccine.

Now the 11-time world champion has been told it will be practically impossible for him to enter Australian to compete in the upcoming WSL events if he remains unvaxxed.

Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck told The Age: "I reckon he knows the rules. It doesn't matter whether you're a surfer, or a tennis player, a tourist or anyone else, those are the rules. They apply to everyone.

"I don't like the chances of him competing in Victoria, and I'd hate to think of what the chances were of him competing in Western Australia."

Upon hearing the news of Slater's status, Aussie Senator Jacqui Lambie also chimed in.

"You might want to tell Kelly Slater we are not the only country putting our foot down on this," Lambie told Channel 9's Today programme.

"These sports people need to realise most countries over the next few months, that is where it is going. Unless you are double-vaxxed and lining up for your booster, you ain't coming. "That happened last week to another sports star."

Australia plays host to some of the most iconic surf venues on the tour, including the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach and the Margaret River Pro, which are both held in April.

Despite initially appearing to roll over for the Australian Open, it seems Australia is now standing firm on its Covid-19 vaccine mandates for travelling athletes - just ask Novak Djokovic.

As an unvaccinated sports star, it appears Slater is now in the same boat as the world No.1 tennis player, who recently made headlines when he was deported from the country for arriving Down Under without the jab.

Djokovic's case left many people divided with some slamming the Serbian star while others threw their support behind him.

It turns out Slater fell into the latter group.

"Maybe Stockholm Syndrome can now change its name to Melbourne/Australia syndrome," Slater posted on social media when discussing Djokovic.

"It's sad to see the celebrated division by the 'virtuous' vaccinated. If you're vaccinated why are you concerned/worried about anyone else's status... unless, of course, it doesn't protect you?

"So much brainwashed hatred in people's hearts regardless of vax status."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: SPORT, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry