Spanish footballers have called for all weekend fixtures across the country to be postponed following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, insisting that the emotional impact of the tragedy makes it difficult for players to continue competing under normal circumstances.
The Spanish footballers’ union, Asociación de Futbolistas Españoles (AFE), announced on Thursday that players across different divisions had unanimously supported the proposal to suspend the weekend’s matches as a mark of respect for their late colleague.
In a statement released on social media, the union explained that it had consulted male and female footballers across various categories, with players agreeing that the upcoming fixtures should not proceed.
“The footballers have expressed their deep sorrow for this loss and do not believe that there are the psychological and humane conditions necessary for the competition to be played in normal circumstances,” the union stated.
The request follows the death of De Miguel, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division encounter on Monday.
The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López, where De Miguel collided with Owono as both players challenged for a long ball.
The Tenerife forward collapsed on the pitch and received emergency medical attention before being transported to hospital. Despite initial efforts to stabilise his condition, he died the following morning.
His death sent shockwaves across Spanish football, with clubs, players, officials and supporters expressing their condolences to his family and teammates.
Several fixtures have already been postponed following the tragedy, including Tenerife’s meeting with Granada and Andorra’s encounter with Mallorca. The Spanish football authorities also suspended several midweek cup matches as a mark of respect.
However, the AFE believes the response should extend to all remaining weekend fixtures, arguing that football must recognise the human impact of the tragedy rather than prioritise sporting commitments.
“Once again, football has an opportunity to show that people come before competitions, sporting and financial interests, and any other considerations,” the union added.
The organisation maintained that postponing the matches would provide players and the wider football community with the necessary space to mourn and pay their respects.
Meanwhile, Andorra goalkeeper Owono, who was involved in the fatal collision, has expressed his devastation over De Miguel’s death.
The goalkeeper described the experience as one of the most difficult periods of his life, offering his thoughts to the late player’s family, friends and everyone affected by the loss.
Tributes have also continued at Tenerife’s stadium, where supporters gathered to lay flowers and light candles in memory of the striker.
De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 and helped the club secure promotion to Spain’s second division. His death has left teammates and supporters mourning the loss of a player whose career was cut short in tragic circumstances.
The AFE’s latest appeal has placed renewed pressure on Spanish football authorities to consider the players’ collective position, although the decision to postpone the remaining weekend fixtures will depend on the relevant organisers.
