Death of Jesus de Miguel: Goalkeeper Owono Handed Twelve-Match Ban

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued a twelve-match suspension on Friday, November 13, against Jesus Owono, goalkeeper for FC Andorre, following the death of Jesus de Miguel, striker for CD Tenerife. The disciplinary commission applied the maximum sanction provided for violent conduct against an opponent.

The tragedy occurred during the 12th round of the championship. Struck in the air by the Equatorial Guinean goalkeeper, the 30-year-old Jesus de Miguel was rushed to a hospital in Tenerife. Initially reported to be in a stable but serious condition, he subsequently suffered a cardiorespiratory crisis. The match, which was tied 2-2 at the time, was halted in the 97th minute with the player lying motionless on the pitch.

Since the accident, Jesus Owono has been going through a particularly difficult period. His manager at FC Andorre, Carles Manso, confirmed on Thursday that the goalkeeper was “deeply affected” by the tragedy. “He obviously had no intention of causing the accident that occurred after the collision and which, ultimately, is a tragedy with which he must unfortunately learn to live,” he said at a press conference.

Placed on leave pending the disciplinary verdict, Owono himself spoke out in a statement to address “the most difficult days” of his life. Targeted by a wave of insults and messages calling him a “murderer,” he was forced to deactivate his Instagram account. The player nonetheless assured that he would face the “issues to be addressed” with “the utmost respect.”

However, the sporting sanction may not be the only consequence Owono will have to face. According to the Spanish press, the goalkeeper could also be prosecuted for “negligent homicide.” A police source confirmed to AFP last Tuesday that an investigation had been opened under judicial supervision, without clarifying whether the goalkeeper was directly targeted.