Andorra Goalkeeper Jesús Owono Handed 12-Match Ban for Tackle That Led to Jesús de Miguel’s Death

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation following the fatal collision with Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel during a Segunda División fixture on 2 November. De Miguel, 30, died in hospital the following day after the incident, which occurred during the closing stages of the match. The federation imposed the maximum sporting sanction, citing the excessive force recorded in the referee’s report, while a separate police investigation into the circumstances remains ongoing.

Spanish Federation Delivers Maximum 12-Match Suspension

The Spanish Football Federation has handed FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono a 12-match suspension following the incident that resulted in the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.

The disciplinary committee announced its decision on Friday, 13 November, imposing the maximum punishment available under the relevant provision of its disciplinary code.

Owono, a 25-year-old international goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, was sent off during the closing stages of Andorra's second-division encounter with Tenerife on 2 November after colliding with De Miguel while attempting to challenge for an aerial ball.

The federation classified the incident as a serious disciplinary offence under Article 102 of its code, with the sanction accompanied by the applicable financial penalties.

The decision has brought a significant sporting consequence for the goalkeeper, although it does not conclude the separate investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death.

What Happened During the Tenerife and Andorra Match?

The incident occurred in the final moments of the meeting between Tenerife and FC Andorra, with the teams level at 2-2.

Owono left his goal and advanced towards an aerial ball, bringing him into a collision with De Miguel. The goalkeeper's raised leg struck the Tenerife forward in the chest, prompting the referee to send him off.

According to the official match report, Owono made contact with his opponent using excessive force while the ball was in play.

Medical personnel attended to De Miguel on the pitch before he was taken away on a stretcher and transferred to hospital. His condition was critical, and he was placed in intensive care.

The match was subsequently abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time after the seriousness of the situation became apparent. De Miguel died on 3 November, aged 30.

Disciplinary Committee Explains Its Decision

In explaining the suspension, the federation said its assessment was based on the facts documented in the referee's report.

The committee highlighted the nature of the challenge, particularly the raised leg, the force of the impact and the fact that the referee had already deemed the action serious enough to warrant a dismissal.

It also acknowledged the tragic outcome, noting that De Miguel had died following the collision.

The disciplinary panel concluded that the circumstances justified the maximum 12-match suspension available under Article 102.

Importantly, the decision concerns sporting discipline. It should not be confused with a criminal conviction or a final judicial determination of legal responsibility for De Miguel's death.

The Police Investigation Remains Separate

Alongside the football authorities' disciplinary proceedings, Spanish police have opened an investigation into the incident under judicial supervision.

The investigation is intended to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and determine whether any criminal responsibility may arise.

The distinction is important because the federation's decision was based on the referee's account and the applicable football regulations, whereas any criminal proceedings would be governed by a separate legal process.

As of the latest reports, no criminal conviction against Owono has been established.

The goalkeeper is therefore facing a substantial sporting suspension while the wider circumstances continue to be examined by the relevant authorities.

Owono Expresses Grief as Andorra Offers Support

The incident has also had a profound emotional impact on Owono, who has publicly expressed his sorrow over De Miguel's death.

In a statement released through FC Andorra, the goalkeeper described the period as the hardest days of his life and said he was struggling to process what had happened.

He expressed immense pain over the loss, offered his thoughts to De Miguel's family and friends, and acknowledged that there would be matters to address in the aftermath.

Owono also withdrew from Equatorial Guinea's squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Zimbabwe following the tragedy.

FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso has indicated that the club will give the goalkeeper time and space to decide whether, and when, he feels ready to return to football.

The club's position reflects the difficult circumstances surrounding the incident, with the goalkeeper's sporting future now accompanied by considerable personal and emotional challenges.

Tenerife Mourns De Miguel as Match Result Stands

The tragedy has prompted tributes from across Spanish football, with Tenerife supporters, players and officials coming together to remember De Miguel.

His funeral was attended by approximately 400 mourners, including Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

The Spanish Football Federation has also confirmed that the abandoned match will not be replayed. The 2-2 scoreline will stand, avoiding the need for the teams to resume play from the moment the incident occurred.

That decision was presented as the most respectful course of action given the exceptional circumstances.

De Miguel's death has left a painful mark on Tenerife and the wider football community. Meanwhile, Owono's 12-match suspension represents the maximum sporting punishment imposed by the federation, with the separate investigation still an important part of the wider case.