FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension following his collision with Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died a day after the incident during a Spanish second-division match.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee announced the punishment on Friday, November 13, describing the goalkeeper’s challenge as a serious infringement involving excessive force.
Owono, 25, who represents Equatorial Guinea internationally, was sent off during the encounter between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2 after colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball.
The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match when Owono rushed out of his penalty area and struck the striker in the chest with his raised leg.
De Miguel, 30, suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch and was immediately taken to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. However, he died on November 3.
In its disciplinary ruling, the federation said it considered the referee’s report, which described the incident as a forceful impact with the goalkeeper’s leg while the ball was in play.
The committee concluded that the circumstances surrounding the challenge warranted the maximum 12-match suspension under Article 102 of its disciplinary code.
The federation also ruled that the abandoned encounter would not be replayed, allowing the 2-2 scoreline to stand. The match had been stopped seven minutes into stoppage time following the incident.
Manager Speaks on Owono’s Future
Meanwhile, FC Andorra manager Carles Manso has expressed support for Owono, saying the club would give the goalkeeper time and space to decide whether he wants to return to football.
Manso stressed that the club would not pressure the player into making an immediate decision, adding that his emotional well-being remained important.
He said:
“We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return.
“When he feels it is appropriate and when he feels genuinely ready to take a decision like that.
“What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to him.”
Earlier this month, Owono released a statement expressing his profound grief over De Miguel’s death, describing the period as the most difficult days of his life.
He said he was struggling to find the words to process the tragedy and expressed sympathy for the deceased striker’s family and loved ones.
“These are being the most difficult days of my life. I am struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to assimilate anything that has happened.
“I feel an enormous pain for the loss of Jesús. I think of him, his family, and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many issues to address; I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect.
“But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything else except Jesús and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus,” he said.
The tragedy has left the football community mourning De Miguel, while Owono faces an uncertain future following the disciplinary decision and the emotional impact of the incident.
