Former general director of Moscow Spartak Evgeny Melezhikov has voiced skepticism about direct involvement of Dutch forward Quincy Promes in drug trafficking. His remarks were reported by Sports Express as part of ongoing discussion around the case.
Melezhikov explained that Promes may have had family connections that complicated perceptions of responsibility. He suggested that Promes might have lent money to an uncle or a cousin and that the subsequent communications and gifts, such as clothes and team gear, were part of a broader family dynamic rather than a straightforward criminal plan. This account portrays Promes as someone who did not fully control the money’s destination, which in Melezhikov’s view could lessen expectations of direct participation in the illicit activity. These statements were attributed to Melezhikov during discussions cited in the same outlet.
On February 14, a court in Amsterdam sentenced Promes to six years in prison for cocaine trafficking. The trial began on January 24, with prosecutors seeking a nine-year term. On February 16, Promes was added to an international wanted list. These rulings reflect a high-stakes legal process that has drawn attention to the footballer’s career and reputation.
Earlier, journalist Ivan Karpov reported that Promes was detained in Dubai after an incident. He reportedly fled the scene in an attempt to avoid notice. While attempting to depart from the United Arab Emirates to Russia, Promes was stopped at passport control and placed under house arrest as investigators prepared to move forward with the case. A trial had not yet taken place at that time, leaving questions about the eventual outcome and the legal considerations involved.
In previous remarks, there was a sense that Promes’ situation had become a blemish for football in both Russia and the Netherlands, reflecting how legal troubles can cast a shadow over a player’s standing in the sport.