Former Russian football player comments on Promes case and his future in Russia
Former Russian national team forward Diniyar Bilyaletdinov weighed in on the case involving Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes, who has faced serious legal issues abroad. Bilyaletdinov suggested that Promes should not be sent back to his home country but should be allowed to continue his career and live peacefully in Russia. The remarks, reported by a Russian newspaper, reflect a view that the footballer could remain in Russia without disruption to his professional life.
According to the report, Bilyaletdinov emphasized that Promes should be permitted to live and work in Russia without ongoing agitation or exile. The stance underscored a belief that Promes can contribute to Russian football while pursuing his career in a stable environment, free from deportation pressures. This perspective is part of a broader debate about how foreign players facing legal cases should be treated when they are integral to domestic clubs and leagues. The commentary appeared in a Russian outlet that follows developments in Russian sport and international football. [citation: Russian newspaper]
On February 14, an Amsterdam court handed Promes a six-year prison sentence for involvement in cocaine trafficking. The proceedings occurred on January 24, and the prosecutor had urged a nine-year term. Shortly after the verdict, on February 16, Promes was placed on the international wanted list, a development that complicates any immediate return to European competition. The case has drawn substantial attention due to Promes’ role at Spartak Moscow and his earlier stints with the club. [citation: Russian newspaper]
Promes joined Spartak Moscow in February 2021, marking a return to the club after an initial spell from 2014 to 2018. During his time with Spartak in the 2016/17 season, the team clinched the Russian Premier League title, highlighting his contributions to a period of domestic success. His presence has continued to shape the team’s performance across multiple seasons, contributing goals and assists that have helped Spartak compete at a high level in the Russian league. In the current campaign, Promes has tallied six goals and provided an equal number of assists across 17 league appearances, illustrating a consistent impact on the squad’s offensive output. [citation: Russian newspaper]
A separate line of discussion concerns his potential eligibility for Russian citizenship. Reports have linked Promes with considerations around obtaining Russian citizenship as part of broader negotiations about his status with the club and league, though no definitive steps have been publicly confirmed. This aspect adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on how football clubs navigate legal complexities while retaining star players who are deeply embedded in a club’s identity and strategy. [citation: Russian newspaper]