FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono faces a 12-match suspension following the fatal collision.
Spain’s football disciplinary committee imposed its maximum sanction after the FC Andorra goalkeeper’s challenge led to Jesus de Miguel’s death.
Spain’s football disciplinary committee has ordered Jesus Owono banned for 12 matches following a collision that killed Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. The FC Andorra goalkeeper struck the forward during a Spanish second-division match on November 2.
De Miguel, 30, collapsed after the impact and received immediate emergency medical attention. He then entered intensive care in hospital, suffered cardiac arrest and died on November 3.
Owono, a 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international, had left his penalty area to clear an aerial ball. His raised leg struck De Miguel in the chest as both players challenged near the match’s end. The referee sent Owono off.
Jesus Owono banned under disciplinary code
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee announced the suspension on November 13. It applied Article 102, which covers violent conduct resulting in serious injury or harmful consequences.
In its ruling, the committee cited the referee’s description of a violent chest strike involving excessive force. It also considered Owono’s raised leg, the force of the impact and the fatal outcome.
Together, those factors justified the maximum 12-match suspension, the committee said. The sanction also includes additional fines under the federation’s disciplinary regulations.
Meanwhile, Spanish police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death. They are examining possible involuntary manslaughter among other issues. However, the football suspension remains separate from any potential criminal proceedings.
Owono expresses grief and steps away from national squad
Following De Miguel’s death, Owono issued a statement through FC Andorra expressing grief and offering condolences. He said he struggled to process what had happened and described immense pain over the striker’s death.
His message also addressed De Miguel’s family, friends and teammates, saying his thoughts remained with them. The goalkeeper subsequently withdrew from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe.
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said the club would give Owono time and space. He said the goalkeeper would decide whether and when he felt ready to return to football.
Across Spanish football, clubs, players and supporters have paid tribute to De Miguel following the Tenerife forward’s death.
