RFEF imposes 12-match ban on FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono after death of Jesus de Miguel

The Royal Spanish Football Federation has handed a 12-match suspension to FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono after an on-field collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a Segunda Division clash on November 2. The RFEF disciplinary committee said it applied the maximum sanction available under Article 102 of the federation’s Disciplinary Code.

The disciplinary committee based its ruling on the referee’s report and on the circumstances of the incident. “The assessment of the conduct under consideration in these proceedings must be based on the facts expressly recorded in the referee’s report, which states 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’,” the RFEF disciplinary committee said in a statement. “The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, 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 collision occurred when Owono rushed out towards the centre circle to clear a high ball and collided with De Miguel. De Miguel collapsed on the pitch and was taken to hospital, where he died on November 3.

Owono has been withdrawn from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Zimbabwe in November. He is also being investigated by Spanish police over the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death.

Owono issued a public statement addressing the aftermath of the incident. “These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” the statement read. “I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him. “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

FC Andorra head coach Carles Manso said the club will support Owono and give him time to decide whether to continue his playing career. “What we have to do is support him in every way and be close to ​him,” Manso said. “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. When he feels it is appropriate and when ​he feels genuinely ready to take a ​decision ⁠like that.”

Owono’s withdrawal from the Equatorial Guinea squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Zimbabwe in November has been confirmed, and the RFEF has imposed a 12-match suspension under Article 102 of its Disciplinary Code.