Andorra goalkeeper gets 12-game ban for challenge that led to Spanish striker's death

The Spanish federation suspended Jesus Owono for 12 matches after his collision with Jesús de Miguel. The sanction is its maximum sporting penalty, while a separate judicial inquiry continues.FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has described De Miguel's death as the most difficult period of his life (AP Photo)New Delhi,Nov 14, 2026 08:33 ISTFC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has received a 12-match suspension from the Spanish Football Federation following the collision with Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel that preceded the latter's death. The federation handed the 25-year-old the maximum punishment available under its disciplinary code, citing the excessive force used in the challenge.The incident occurred during a Spanish second-division fixture between Tenerife and Andorra on November 2. De Miguel was chasing a long ball in midfield when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to clear it. The goalkeeper's raised leg struck the forward in the chest, leaving him motionless on the pitch. De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and died in hospital the following day, aged 30.Owono was shown a straight red card, while the match was abandoned in stoppage time with the score at 2-2. The Spanish federation later decided that the result would stand, ruling that resuming the remaining minutes would be inappropriate given the circumstances.The disciplinary verdict came on November 13, ten days after De Miguel's death. It was based on the referee's account of the challenge, which described a forceful impact with a raised leg while the ball was in play. The ruling carries a 12-match suspension and additional financial penalties under the federation's disciplinary regulations. WHY THE 12-GAME BAN FROM SPANISH FA?The disciplinary committee applied Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's (RFEF) code, which covers violent conduct during play that results in serious injury. The provision allows suspensions ranging from four to 12 matches. The committee decided that the nature of Owono's challenge and its consequences warranted the maximum sanction.In its explanation, the committee referred to the referee's report, which described Owono as striking an opponent in the chest with his leg raised and using excessive force while the ball was being contested. "The referee's own description makes it possible to appreciate the particular seriousness of the action, both because of the way it was carried out, with the leg raised, and because of the forcefulness of the impact, which the referee expressly described as excessive," the committee stated.It also acknowledged De Miguel's death, saying the exceptional circumstances justified imposing the maximum 12-match suspension. The decision concerns sporting discipline and does not establish criminal liability.WHAT DID OWONO SAY?Owono has not returned to training since the incident and remains deeply affected by De Miguel's death. In a statement released through FC Andorra, the goalkeeper described the emotional toll of the tragedy and expressed his condolences to the forward's family."These have been the hardest days of my life. I'm struggling to find the words and find it very difficult to come to terms with anything that has happened. I feel immense grief at the loss of Jesus," he said."My thoughts are with him, his family and everyone who loved him. I know there will be many matters to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, quite honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesus and the grief we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus."Andorra manager Carles Manso has said the club will not put pressure on Owono to decide when he wants to return to football."He is deeply affected by the situation. We will give him the space to feel completely free to decide whether, and when, he might want to return," Manso said.The goalkeeper also withdrew from Equatorial Guinea's squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe. His return to competitive football remains uncertain.POLICE INVESTIGATION REMAINS SEPARATESpanish police opened a judicial investigation following De Miguel's death, as required in cases involving deaths from non-natural causes. The inquiry is being conducted under judicial supervision in Tenerife to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.However, an investigation being opened does not automatically mean criminal proceedings will follow. Tenerife chief prosecutor Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui has indicated that a criminal case is unlikely, given that the collision occurred during active play.The RFEF's 12-match suspension addresses Owono's sporting conduct under football regulations. Any question of criminal responsibility remains with the judicial authorities, whose investigation is separate from the federation's disciplinary ruling.- Ends