Spartak Moscow and Netherlands forward Quincy Promes to be charged with attempted murder in connection with stabbing of his cousin

The 30-year-old, who has 50 senior caps for the Netherlands national team, was arrested in December 2020 in connection with a July 2020 stabbing in the Dutch town of Abcoude.

It later emerged that the alleged victim was Promes's cousin and the incident took place in a fight after a family party.

Promes has denied involvement.

Prosecutors had initially intended to charge former Ajax player Promes with attempted manslaughter and aggravated assault.

But prosecutors revealed on Wednesday they have elevated the charges, in order to ensure his case proceeds as quickly as possible.

After the alleged victim's lawyer asked for the heavier charge, Promes' lawyer agreed.

Hearings are planned for March 31, the public prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Promes was playing for Ajax at the time of the incident, but moved to Spartak Moscow in February, 2021.

He scored a goal in Spartak's 2-0 win over Dynamo Moscow on Sunday.