Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono received a 12-match suspension from the Spanish soccer federation’s disciplinary committee on Friday following a reckless on-field collision that resulted in the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
Owono Receives Freedom to Return While Facing Suspension
- Player Availability: Manager Carles Manso confirmed that the club is giving Owono complete freedom to decide when he is mentally ready to return to competitive action.
- Disciplinary Precedent: The disciplinary committee applied article 102 of the Spanish FA’s disciplinary code, issuing the maximum available suspension for violent conduct during play resulting in serious harm.
De Miguel Suffered Cardiac Arrest Following Owono Collision
The tragic event occurred near the end of the November 2 match in Tenerife, as ESPN reported. Owono rushed far outside his penalty area to contest a high ball in midfield, striking the 30-year-old De Miguel in the chest with his leg raised.
Referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez explained in his match report that he issued a red card because the Equatorial Guinea international made a reckless challenge using excessive force while the ball was in play, The Athletic noted.
De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest following the collision and was transferred to a hospital, where he was initially deemed stable before his condition worsened neurologically, according to Yahoo Sports. De Miguel passed away the following day on November 3.
Referee Perez Hernandez withdrew his officials to the changing rooms once there was no sign of improvement in the player’s condition. After consulting with the team captains and representatives, the officials were informed that the players from both sides were not in the right frame of mind to continue, leaving the match abandoned with the score tied 2-2, The Guardian reported.
| Incident Detail | Fact / Record |
|---|---|
| Date of Match | November 2, 2026 |
| Player Affected | Jesús de Miguel (Tenerife Striker, Age 30) |
| Player Sanctioned | Jesús Owono (FC Andorra Goalkeeper) |
| Disciplinary Action | 12-Match Suspension (Maximum Sanction under Article 102) |
Spanish FA Issues Maximum Suspension for Violent Conduct
The Spanish soccer federation’s disciplinary committee said that its assessment relied strictly on the facts recorded in the referee’s report. Because the collision occurred while the ball was being contested, the committee applied article 102 of the Spanish FA disciplinary code, which governs violent conduct during play resulting in serious harm or injury.
“The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús 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 committee said.
Spanish police opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter, in coordination with judicial authorities in Tenerife, as is legally required for any death without a clear natural cause. Canary Islands prosecutorial sources indicated that criminal proceedings remain unlikely.
Cervera Describes Mental Toll on Tenerife Players
Tenerife manager Alvaro Cervera described the experience of returning to training and preparing for subsequent fixtures as tough and complicated, noting that while groups function well during structured sessions, the mental toll outside the training ground affects the team.
“When we’re together, we’re fine, during our sessions, we’re doing well,” Cervera said. “It feels like the group is gradually getting back to normal. What we don't know is how everyone is doing when we're apart and that affects the team."
Cervera added that players process grief differently, with some seeking distraction on the pitch while others require more time. “Both positions are reasonable,” Cervera said. “On one hand, you want to return to some sense of normality though you know that true normality isn’t something you’ll find right now.”
Owono released a statement through his club expressing deep anguish over 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,” Owono said.
“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. I think of him, 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 Jesús and the pain we are going through. Rest in peace, Jesús,” Owono said.
Memorial events took place at Tenerife’s stadium for supporters and players, while De Miguel’s funeral was attended by approximately 400 mourners, including Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
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