OWONO FACES MAXIMUM BAN AFTER DE MIGUEL'S DEATH

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been suspended for 12 matches by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following the fatal collision that claimed the life of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel during a Spanish Segunda División match.

The 25-year-old Equatorial Guinea international received the maximum suspension allowed under the federation's disciplinary regulations after its committee reviewed the incident that occurred on November 2, 2026.

Owono was sent off during the encounter after rushing out of his penalty area to intercept an aerial ball, resulting in a collision with De Miguel near the middle of the pitch.

According to referee Manuel Ángel Pérez Hernández's report, the goalkeeper violently struck his opponent in the chest with his leg while using excessive force, an action that prompted the red card.

De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest following the collision and was pronounced dead the following day at the age of 30, sending shockwaves through Spanish football.

In its November 13 ruling, the RFEF disciplinary committee said the circumstances surrounding the incident warranted the highest punishment available under its existing rules.

"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 stated.

The decision was reached under Article 102 of the RFEF disciplinary code, which covers violent conduct during play and provides for suspensions ranging between four and 12 matches where serious injury results.

However, the federation's regulations do not contain a specific disciplinary provision for incidents that result in a player's death during a match. Consequently, the committee assessed the challenge under the existing rules governing violent conduct.

The federation also imposed financial penalties on both Owono and FC Andorra under Article 52 of its disciplinary code.

Beyond the individual punishment, the RFEF confirmed that the match would officially end in a 2-2 draw, preserving the scoreline recorded when play was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time.

The governing body explained that requiring the two teams to return and complete the remaining minutes would be inappropriate given the extraordinary circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death.

Meanwhile, Owono's future in football remains uncertain as he continues to come to terms with the tragedy.

FC Andorra manager Carles Manso previously disclosed that the goalkeeper had not decided whether he would return to playing, stressing that the club would respect whatever decision he eventually makes.

The club has reportedly given the 25-year-old space to process the events, with support from his family, partner and club psychologists.

On November 4, FC Andorra published an emotional statement on Owono's behalf in which he expressed his grief over the death of his fellow professional.

He described the period as the "hardest days of my life", while conveying his "enormous pain" for De Miguel and his loved ones.

Owono also indicated that he was prepared to accept the consequences of the incident, saying he would "face whatever comes with the utmost respect".

In the aftermath, the goalkeeper deactivated his social media accounts after receiving online abuse and withdrew from international duty with Equatorial Guinea.

He also reportedly asked FC Andorra to help arrange a meeting with De Miguel's family, either face-to-face, through a telephone conversation or by letter, so he could personally express his condolences and apologise.

However, when FC Andorra approached CD Tenerife over the request, the family asked for more time to mourn privately before considering any contact.

De Miguel's relatives have largely stayed away from public attention since releasing an initial emotional statement following his death.

His funeral attracted approximately 400 mourners, including Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, as tributes continued to pour in for the late striker.

Speaking ahead of CD Tenerife's first match since the tragedy, manager Álvaro Cervera also addressed the disciplinary decision, suggesting that the 12-match suspension could appear insufficient given the circumstances.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the federation had to operate within the limits of its existing regulations, which did not provide a separate punishment for a fatal on-field incident.

Neither Owono nor De Miguel's family had issued a direct public response to the November 13 disciplinary ruling as of November 14.

Separately, Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, a standard legal procedure following a death of this nature. The sporting sanction does not determine the outcome of that separate investigation.

With the 12-match suspension ruling settled, Owono now faces an uncertain period away from competitive football, while FC Andorra has maintained that the decision on whether and when he returns to the game rests entirely with him.