FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been suspended for 12 matches following a fatal on-field collision with Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel during a second-division match on November 2.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee issued the maximum sanction on Friday, stating that the punishment was justified by the nature of the goalkeeper’s challenge. The committee’s decision relied on the referee’s report, which documented that the player “was sent off for ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play’.”
In its statement, the committee said that “the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified,” citing the tragic outcome of the incident. De Miguel, 30, collapsed during the match after Owono rushed out of his area to clear a long ball and struck the forward in the chest with his knee.
The forward received medical treatment on the pitch for more than five minutes before being transported to the hospital, where he died the following day.
The match between FC Andorra and Tenerife was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time with the score at 2-2. The federation has confirmed the result will stand, a decision described as “the most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case.” Officials confirmed that the game will not be replayed, avoiding the need to resume from the moment of the collision.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter. Judicial authorities in the Canary Islands clarified that such inquiries are a routine procedure under Spanish law, as any death deemed non-natural automatically triggers a judicial investigation. Detectives are expected to review medical reports and question those involved in the footballer’s care as part of the ongoing probe.
The football community has responded with widespread tributes. CD Tenerife issued a statement saying, “Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true, from CD Tenerife we communicate the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” adding, “there are no words of comfort; there is absolutely nothing that can alleviate this feeling overflowing with sadness.” Last Thursday, a funeral for the forward was held, attended by approximately 400 mourners, including Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid President Florentino Perez.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also offered condolences, noting, “We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” and added, “we have searched for words and found only silence.” De Miguel, born in Madrid in 1996, had joined Tenerife ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Earlier coverage: Andorra Goalkeeper Jesús Owono Banned 12 Games for Fatal Collision