The Moscow football club Spartak Moscow sought help from the Russian Ministry of Sports to obtain citizenship for Quincy Anton Promes, a Netherlands-born forward who has been playing in Russia. The request was reported by a Russian journalist and appeared in a local publication. The coverage noted that the matter concerned Promes, a Dutch citizen, and referenced the federal law On Citizenship of the Russian Federation while describing Spartak’s appeal for assistance.
Spartak Moscow formally addressed the Ministry of Sports with a request that Promes be considered for Russian citizenship under the country’s citizenship legislation. The move was part of a broader effort by the club to secure long-term eligibility for Promes to live and work in Russia without visa constraints, which can influence his status with the league and the club’s sporting plans.
In reviewing the submission, the Ministry of Sports collaborated with related agencies to determine the viability of the petition. The authorities ultimately declined Spartak’s application, citing regulatory requirements and the considerations involved in admitting a foreign national as a citizen of the Russian Federation. The decision was communicated to the club at the end of December, according to the report, with the interior ministry informing the sports ministry of a criminal case involving Promes in the Netherlands, which weighed against the petition at that time.
On March 2, counsel for Promes indicated that his client would not appear in court the following day, stating that he would risk arrest if he did so. The legal team also said there had not been a meeting with prosecutors to avoid arrest risk, leaving the player in a cautious position as proceedings continued in the Netherlands. Reports indicate Promes faces serious charges connected to a family incident in 2020, with the possibility of allegations including attempted murder being considered in the case. These developments led to heightened scrutiny of his legal situation and its potential impact on his football career in Russia.
During the current season in the Russian Premier League, Promes has made 16 appearances for Spartak, scoring 14 goals and providing 6 assists. His performance has put him at the top of the league’s scoring tally, alongside another leading marksman. This on-field impact stands in contrast to the ongoing regulatory and legal discussions surrounding his citizenship status and future in Russian football.
Analysts and public figures have weighed in on the broader issue of compensation and salaries across sports, comparing athlete earnings with those from other fields. A former government official commented that such salary comparisons do not capture the full context of each sport’s economic structure and the different career trajectories athletes may pursue. The discussion highlights the complexities of cross-border talent movement and the regulatory processes that shape where players can live and compete at the highest levels. [citation: Karpov reporting and subsequent statements from involved parties and legal representatives].