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Dutch footballer Quincy Promes has reportedly filed a request to return to the Netherlands without facing immediate arrest, despite two separate convictions for drug trafficking and violent assault.
The 33-year-old former Dutch international was arrested at Dubai Airport last year while arriving for a training camp with his former club, Spartak Moscow. The arrest stemmed from his involvement in a traffic accident in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), after which he allegedly left the scene. Since then, Promes has been prohibited from leaving the country and currently plays for second-tier club FC Dubai United.
In 2023, Promes was sentenced to six years in prison by a Dutch court for his role in smuggling over 1,350 kilograms of cocaine through the port of Antwerp in January 2020. That conviction followed an earlier 18-month prison sentence for stabbing his cousin, bringing his total sentence to seven and a half years. He has appealed both convictions and has not yet served any jail time. Although he has since been re-arrested at the request of the Dutch authorities, the UAE has yet to comply with the Netherlands’ extradition request.
According to Dutch media outlet AD, Promes has now formally requested to return to the Netherlands with freedom of movement. A court hearing in Amsterdam is scheduled for Tuesday to assess the merits of his request.
Promes has expressed willingness to cooperate with Dutch authorities and attend trial proceedings, but he has requested not to be taken into custody upon arrival—a condition previously denied. Speaking to RTL Boulevard, the former Ajax and Sevilla winger voiced his desire to return home and continue his football career.
“I’m not going to lie—I miss the Netherlands very much and would like to come back,” Promes said.
“People have often said I’m on the run, but I’ve been trying to contact the justice department for some time to resolve this. I want to answer for myself in the Netherlands and continue my career.
I hope to fly back and forth to the Netherlands when I’m called up, and still be able to play football. That’s what I want.”
The Dutch extradition request has been pending for over a year, and it remains unclear whether the UAE will grant permission for Promes to return to the Netherlands.
Promes signed a one-year deal with FC Dubai United in September 2024 and has scored 13 goals in 19 appearances for the club.
