The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee issued a 12-match suspension to FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono on Friday. The decision follows a fatal on-field collision involving Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a second-division match on November 2.
The incident occurred as the 25-year-old goalkeeper rushed into midfield to clear an aerial ball, colliding with De Miguel. The referee’s report noted that Owono was sent off for “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.”
Following the severe impact, the 30-year-old De Miguel was placed in intensive care. He passed away on November 3, sparking an ongoing investigation by Spanish police under judicial supervision. The disciplinary committee stated that the maximum 12-match sanction was justified by the nature of the conduct and the tragic outcome of the event. “In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified.”.
In a statement issued last week, the Equatorial Guinea international expressed profound grief, describing the period as the hardest of his life. He noted his struggle to process the events and offered his condolences to De Miguel’s family and loved ones, emphasizing that his focus remains entirely on the pain caused by the loss. Of his family, and of all the people who loved him, i think of him. Honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through, but right now.
The impact of the tragedy has affected Owono’s professional career; he withdrew from his national team’s squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
FC Andorra coach Carles Manso stated on Thursday that the club is providing the goalkeeper with necessary space and time, confirming that Owono will solely decide if and when he returns to competitive football. “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
A public memorial was held at Tenerife’s stadium last Saturday, where fans and teammates gathered to honor the forward. His funeral, held last Thursday, drew approximately 400 mourners, including high-profile figures such as Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.
The committee underscored that its assessment was strictly based on the referee’s documented facts and the public knowledge of the tragic loss of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. The ruling concludes the internal sports disciplinary process regarding the on-field conduct during the November 2 match.
