Quincy Promes, a former Dutch international, is set to resume his football career in the United Arab Emirates. This move comes amidst his ongoing battle against extradition to the Netherlands, where he was sentenced to six years in prison in absentia for drug trafficking.
Promes, who boasts 50 caps for the Dutch national team, has signed with United FC of Dubai, a club competing in the second tier of UAE football. The club announced the signing on social media.
Earlier this year, a Dutch court found Promes directly involved in the smuggling of 1,360kg of cocaine from Brazil to the Netherlands via the port of Antwerp, Belgium. This occurred in two shipments in 2020.
The 32-year-old, previously known for his stints with Ajax Amsterdam and Sevilla, was arrested in Dubai in March at the behest of Dutch authorities while attending a training camp with Russian club Spartak Moscow.
Adding to his legal woes, Promes was also sentenced to 18 months in prison in absentia last year for assault. This stemmed from a 2020 incident where he allegedly stabbed a cousin in the knee.
Promes vehemently denies all charges and has filed appeals in both cases. In May, he was released from detention with restrictions, including a ban on leaving the United Arab Emirates. Spartak Moscow terminated his contract in June.
His move to United FC of Dubai marks a significant step for Promes as he seeks to rebuild his career while facing a complex legal situation.
