Spanish Football Federation Suspends Goalkeeper Jesus Owono for 12 Matches

Spanish football authorities suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono for 12 matches on Friday following a violent on-field collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel earlier this month.

The incident occurred on November 2 during a second-division match between the two clubs when Owono raced into midfield and collided with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball.

De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest following the impact and died in a hospital the following day at the age of 30, prompting a police investigation and widespread mourning across the sport.

The disciplinary committee said its decision was based on the official referee report, which noted that Owono received a red card for striking an opponent with excessive force.

“The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report,” said the committee in a statement.

The federation decided that the match, which was abandoned while the score was tied 2-2, will not be replayed, allowing the draw to stand as the official result.

Owono released a statement through his club expressing deep remorse and grief over the fatal outcome of the play.

“These are the hardest days of my life,” said Owono. “I struggle to find the words and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened.”

FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said the club would place no pressure on the 25-year-old goalkeeper regarding his eventual return to competitive football.

“We will give him space so that he feels completely free to make any decision, whether he wants to return, when, or if he does not want to return,” said Manso.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign launched by fellow player Fran Sol raised more than 217,000 euros to support the grieving family of the late striker.

Spanish police officials stated last week that an ongoing investigation under judicial supervision remains open, though authorities do not expect criminal charges against the goalkeeper.