MADRID, SPAIN — FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has reportedly received a 12-match suspension from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel after a collision between both players during a Spanish second-division match.
The sanction, reported on Friday, November 13, represents the maximum suspension available under Article 102 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code for violent conduct during play that results in serious harmful or injurious consequences.
The incident occurred on November 2 during a Segunda División fixture between Tenerife and FC Andorra at Tenerife’s home ground. With the match approaching its conclusion and the score tied at 2-2, Owono rushed out of his goal to challenge for a long ball.
During the challenge, the goalkeeper collided with De Miguel, striking the Tenerife forward with his raised leg as both players contested possession. The striker immediately required medical attention, while Owono was shown a straight red card by the referee.
The match was stopped in the 96th minute after the seriousness of the incident became apparent. Following discussions involving the referee, team captains and club officials, both sides agreed that they were not emotionally prepared to continue playing.
De Miguel was taken to hospital, where he died in the early hours of November 3 at the age of 30. His death sent shockwaves through Spanish football, prompting tributes from clubs, players, supporters and football authorities.
The RFEF subsequently decided that the abandoned fixture would be recorded as concluded with the 2-2 scoreline that stood when play was stopped. In its November 4 resolution, the federation described the circumstances as exceptional and said respect for the deceased player, his family and teammates was central to its decision.
The disciplinary proceedings against Owono were separate from the decision concerning the abandoned match. Reports had indicated that the goalkeeper faced a possible suspension of between eight and 12 matches under Article 102, which provides for four to 12 matches depending on the seriousness of the consequences.
The reported decision to impose the maximum 12-match suspension reflects the disciplinary committee’s application of the provision to the incident and its consequences.
Owono, an Equatorial Guinean international, has also faced considerable emotional pressure following the tragedy. FC Andorra manager Carles Manso previously said the goalkeeper was deeply affected and had not decided whether he would return to football.
The club has reportedly given him space to make that decision, recognising the difficult circumstances surrounding the incident. Owono has also faced abusive messages and online harassment since the tragedy, prompting concerns about the treatment of players involved in serious on-field accidents.
Meanwhile, De Miguel’s death has left his family, teammates and the Tenerife community mourning the loss of a player whose career ended in extraordinary circumstances.
The incident has also renewed discussions about player safety, emergency medical response and the risks associated with high-speed challenges during football matches. Although serious and fatal injuries remain rare in professional football, the tragedy illustrates how quickly an ordinary contest for possession can develop into a medical emergency.
It is important to distinguish the sporting punishment from criminal proceedings. Spanish police opened an investigation following De Miguel’s death, but prosecutors indicated that criminal charges were considered unlikely because the collision occurred during the normal course of a football match. The precise medical cause of death was not immediately disclosed in the initial reports.
The reported 12-match suspension adds a disciplinary consequence to an incident that has deeply affected both clubs and the wider Spanish football community. For Tenerife, the priority remains supporting De Miguel’s loved ones and honouring his memory, while FC Andorra continues to deal with the impact of the tragedy on its goalkeeper and squad.
