Chelsea Star Ziyech Spotted with Ex-Teammate Linked to Major Cocaine Trafficking Case

Pjotr Sauer of The Guardian reports that Ziyech flew to the Russian capital despite the tense situation between Russia and Ukraine. The event was organized by the betting company Winline. The Chelsea player, whose departure from Stamford Bridge is planned for this summer, was photographed alongside Promes, a photo later shared on an Instagram story of the latter.

This meeting takes place shortly after the Dutch justice system confirmed that Promes was indicted for trafficking 1,370 kg of cocaine. The 31-year-old player would be involved in the importation of two cocaine shipments, intercepted in Antwerp in January 2020, as reported by the newspaper NOS.

Ziyech’s public appearance alongside Promes has provoked many reactions on social media. A preliminary hearing regarding Promes was on Monday. The Spartak Moscow striker also faces charges of serious assault for having injured a cousin in the knee with a knife during a family event in 2020.

Finally, Ziyech’s presence in Russia, while his former teammate is targeted by the justice system and despite the conflict with Ukraine, has fueled controversy on social media. Many Ukrainian fans have expressed their discontent on Twitter, criticizing the Moroccan international for his trip to Russia while the country is engaged in a war against Ukraine.