FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono given 12-match ban after collision kills Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been suspended for 12 matches by the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee after his challenge on Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel resulted in de Miguel's death.

The incident and the sanction

Owono, 25, was sent off during a second-division match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2 after colliding with De Miguel, 30, while trying to clear an aerial ball. De Miguel died in hospital on November 3.

The committee imposed the maximum punishment, citing the referee's report, which states that Owono was sent off for "violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play."

"The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel, is public knowledge. In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified," the committee said.

The 2-2 scoreline will stand after the game was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time.

Legal and personal response

Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, which is standard practice under Spanish law. The Canary Islands High Court of Justice said a judicial investigation was automatically opened as is standard procedure in any case of a non-natural death.

Owono described the period following De Miguel's death as the "hardest days of my life" and said he feels "immense pain over the loss of Jesus." FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso said it would be Owono who decides if and when he returns to football.

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Sources

• skysports.com: Goalkeeper Jesus Owono given 12-match ban after Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel's death following collision | Football News | Sky Sports
• aljazeera.com: Goalkeeper Owono handed 12-match ban after De Miguel death | Football | Al Jazeera
• nytimes.com: Jesus Owono given 12-match ban for collision with Jesus de Miguel that led to striker’s death - The Athletic
• aa.com.tr: Andorra goalkeeper Owono gets 12-match suspension following death of De Miguel
• trtworld.com: FC Andorra goalkeeper handed 12-match ban following death of De Miguel - TRT World
• theguardian.com: Jesús Owono given 12-match ban for tackle that resulted in Jesús de Miguel’s death | Tenerife | The Guardian

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.