Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono received a 12-match suspension after a collision on November 2 caused the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) handed down the maximum penalty for the incident during a Spanish second-division match. The federation determined the goalkeeper used excessive force. It applied article 102 of its disciplinary code regarding violent conduct during play that causes serious injury. The committee based its ruling on facts in the referee’s report.
“He is deeply affected by the situation,” Andorra coach Carles Manso said during a pre-game news conference, as reported by ESPN.
Owono has been coping by staying close to his relatives and close friends. Regarding Owono’s potential return to the pitch, Manso said, “We will give him the space to feel completely free to decide whether, and when, he might want to return. He can make that decision whenever he feels the time is right and he truly feels prepared to do so.”
Owono collided with De Miguel during the match
The incident happened in the seventh minute of second-half stoppage time at Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López. The match was tied 2–2 at the time. The New York Times reported that Owono rushed forward near midfield to contest a ball, colliding with the 30-year-old De Miguel.
A Tenerife player sent a pass to midfield where De Miguel was chasing the ball in the air. Owono could not use his hands. He attempted to kick the ball clear but struck De Miguel in the chest.
De Miguel appeared motionless on the pitch after being struck. According to ESPN, the striker suffered cardiac arrest following the impact. Resuscitation reportedly restored his heartbeat.
De Miguel was taken to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of Nuestra Senora de Candelaria. His neurological condition deteriorated overnight. He passed away on November 3.
The referee abandoned the match because of the seriousness of the play. Officials met with team representatives and captains from both sides. The participants decided to call off the fixture by mutual agreement because they were not in the right frame of mind to continue.
Spanish authorities investigate the death
Spanish police opened an investigation into the death. This is standard procedure for any non-natural cause under Spanish law. Officials told USA Today that they do not expect Owono to face criminal charges. A routine inquiry into possible involuntary manslaughter has been initiated.
A preliminary autopsy report indicated that De Miguel died from accidental chest trauma. An investigation into such a death is automatically triggered under Spanish law. Prosecutors have indicated criminal proceedings are unlikely.
The RFEF also issued financial penalties. Owono was fined €600 (£500; $661) under article 52 of the disciplinary regulations. FC Andorra was fined €2,400.
- Dani Martín (Tenerife goalkeeper): one-match suspension
- Efe Aghrman (Andorra): one-match suspension
- Lautaro de León (Andorra): one-match suspension
The RFEF decided to handle Owono’s case individually. This decision followed the gravity of the incident linked to De Miguel’s passing.
Fundraising efforts for the family
A crowdfunding campaign was established in honor of the striker. Sports Illustrated reported that the page has raised more than $200,000. AP noted the campaign raised more than €200,000 ($221,000). Hercules forward Fran Sol organized the campaign.
Owono expressed a desire to apologize to the family. According to Marca, he requested that FC Andorra help a meeting through a letter, a phone call, or by traveling to Toledo. He wants to share in their grief and offer condolences in person.
Owono wanted to contact the family the day after the accident. His club and inner circle advised him to wait. CD Tenerife has requested more time out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Owono released a statement through Andorra expressing his grief.
“These have been the hardest days of my life,” Owono said in a statement published on Andorra's social media.
About 400 people attended De Miguel’s funeral on Thursday, November 5. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente were among those in attendance.
Owono has not trained since the incident. He deactivated his Instagram profile after social media backlash. Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz said Owono would never intentionally hurt anyone.
Andorra’s next match is scheduled for Saturday against Almeria.