Dutch footballer Quincy Promes has been arrested at his home in Dubai, following a request by the Netherlands for his extradition, the Telegraaf has reported.

Promes (33) was sentenced to six years in jail in absentia in February 2024 for his part in smuggling more than a tonne of cocaine into the Netherlands via Antwerp.

He had previously been convicted of stabbing his nephew at a family gathering in 2020. Months later he moved from Ajax to Spartak Moscow for a fee of €8.5 million. Both cases are now being appealed.

Earlier this week Promes told an interviewer he was prepared to travel to the Netherlands to attend the appeal hearings, provided he could retain his freedom. He submitted a request to that effect, but the court of appeal in Amsterdam rejected it.

The public prosecution service declined to comment on the arrest. It said earlier that the extradition request was “at an advanced stage” and that “progress is being made”.

Promes, who turned out for the Netherlands 50 times, played for Dubai United FC this past season but is currently available and transfer free, the Telegraaf said,

Promes’ lawyer has confirmed the arrest but declined to comment further, the paper said.