Goalkeeper Jesus Owono handed 12-match ban after Jesus de Miguel death

The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has imposed a 12-match suspension on FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The disciplinary action was confirmed on Friday, following an investigation into the events of the second division match held on November 2.

During the match, Owono, a 25-year-old goalkeeper, was sent off after racing into midfield to clear an aerial ball, leading to a collision with the 30-year-old De Miguel. Following the incident, the forward was placed in intensive care but passed away on November 3. The disciplinary committee stated that their decision was based on the referee’s report, which noted that the player was dismissed for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg using excessive force while the ball was in play.

Jesus Owono received a maximum 12-match suspension following the fatal on-field collision with Jesus de Miguel.

Disciplinary decision and impact

The committee justified the maximum penalty by citing the nature of the conduct and the tragic outcome of the incident, which they noted is public knowledge. Meanwhile, Spanish police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision under judicial supervision. Owono has expressed deep remorse, stating that he is enduring the hardest days of his life and struggling to process the loss of De Miguel, whose funeral was recently attended by figures including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.

Owono, who represents Equatorial Guinea, withdrew from his national team squad for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. FC Andorra coach Carles Manso stated that the club is providing the goalkeeper with the necessary time and space to decide if and when he will return to professional football. On Saturday, fans and players gathered at the Tenerife stadium to hold a memorial for the late forward.

Why it matters

This decision marks the maximum possible sanction under the federation's disciplinary framework, reflecting the severity of the tragic event. The case has prompted a judicial investigation and highlights the ongoing focus on player safety and conduct within professional football leagues in Spain.