Equatorial Guinea international and FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has received a 12-match suspension from the Spanish Football Federation following an on-field collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The disciplinary committee imposed the maximum available punishment after ruling that Owono’s challenge involved excessive force and caused serious injury.
Spanish Football Federation Imposes Maximum Suspension
The federation’s disciplinary committee announced the 12-match ban on Friday, November 13, following its review of the incident during a Spanish second-division match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2.
According to the committee, the decision was based on the referee’s report, which stated that Owono had been sent off for violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg while using excessive force during play.
The committee classified the incident as a serious infringement under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, which covers violent conduct resulting in serious injury.
It said the circumstances, particularly the severity of the challenge and its tragic outcome, justified imposing the maximum suspension of 12 matches. The decision also includes the associated financial penalties under Article 52 of the disciplinary code.
How the Fatal Collision Happened
The incident occurred during the closing stages of the second-division fixture between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2.
Owono, 25, rushed out of his goal and moved towards midfield while attempting to clear an aerial ball. During the challenge, he collided with Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who was 30 years old.
The goalkeeper was shown a red card following the collision.
De Miguel received emergency medical treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. His condition subsequently deteriorated, and he died on November 3.
The match was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time with the score level at 2-2.
The Spanish football authorities later decided that the result would stand rather than ordering the teams to resume the remaining minutes. The federation said this was the most respectful decision given the exceptional circumstances.
Owono Says He Is Experiencing the Hardest Days of His Life
The tragedy has also had a profound emotional impact on Owono, who has expressed his grief over the death of the Tenerife forward.
In a statement released through FC Andorra, the goalkeeper described the period as the most difficult days of his life.
He said he was struggling to process what had happened and expressed immense sadness over De Miguel’s death, offering his thoughts to the player’s family and loved ones.
Owono also said he would face any matters arising from the incident with respect but was currently unable to think about anything beyond the loss.
Following the tragedy, he withdrew from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe this month.
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FC Andorra Gives Goalkeeper Time to Decide His Future
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said Owono had not yet decided whether he would return to professional football.
Speaking on Thursday, Manso explained that the club would support the goalkeeper and give him sufficient time and space to consider his future.
He stressed that the decision to return, and when to do so, would rest entirely with Owono.
The goalkeeper is currently spending time with his family as he deals with the emotional consequences of the incident.
Investigation Into De Miguel’s Death
Spanish police have also opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death under judicial supervision.
The disciplinary suspension is a football-related sanction and is separate from any potential criminal proceedings.
The incident has raised difficult questions about player safety, responsibility during challenges and the consequences of dangerous conduct on the football pitch.
Meanwhile, Tenerife supporters and players gathered at the club’s stadium to pay tribute to De Miguel. Around 400 people attended his funeral, including Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
The tragedy has deeply affected both clubs, while Owono’s return to football remains uncertain.
Sources: The Express Tribune and Reuters, with additional reporting from AFP and the BBC. The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary decision was announced on November 13, 2026. reuters.com
