Ronnie Stam, the former Wigan Athletic and FC Twente defender, has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of his role in a large-scale drug smuggling ring in the Netherlands.
The 41-year-old, once a Premier League regular, was accused of helping traffic more than two tonnes of cocaine into the country.
The shipment was valued at an estimated £48.6 million on the streets.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Dutch prosecutors had pushed for a 13-year sentence, branding him a significant figure in the criminal network, but the court reduced the term after acquitting him of two of the most serious charges.
Ronnie Stam, the former Wigan Athletic and FC Twente defender, has been jailed for seven years after being convicted of his role in a large-scale drug smuggling ring in the Netherlands
|PA
Stam was found guilty of being involved in the transportation of 724 kilos of cocaine, supplying MDMA, and possessing nitrous oxide.
While he initially distanced himself from any major role in the trade, he admitted during the trial to participating in a smaller plot to smuggle 20 kilos of cocaine from Brazil to Frankfurt.
Reflecting on his involvement, Stam told the court: “It was stupid to go along with those guys.
JUST IN: Crystal Palace release explosive statement after being demoted to UEFA Conference League
"But I had nothing to do with those big batches of cocaine and nothing to do with setting up lines.
"That was them and they kept me out of it.”
The sentencing marks a dramatic fall for a player who once enjoyed a decorated career at the top level.
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu involved in furious row with tennis umpire over crying child in Aryna Sabalenka defeat
Ronnie Stam admitted he was 'stupid' after the former Premier League star was jailed for seven years
|PA
Stam rose to prominence with FC Twente, where he won the Eredivisie title in 2010 under Steve McClaren.
That success earned him a move to Wigan, where he made 73 appearances over three seasons.
Injuries, however, hampered his time in England.
Most notably, a broken leg ruled him out of Wigan’s famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2013.
After leaving the Latics, Stam had a short stint with Standard Liège before returning to NAC Breda, the club where his professional journey began.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Ronnie Stam missed Wigan's famous FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in 2013
|PA
From lifting trophies to serving time in prison, Stam’s trajectory has taken a stark turn.
The former defender now facing years behind bars for his role in a smuggling operation that shocked Dutch football circles.