The Spanish FA has released a detailed statement after the goalkeeper was given the toughest possible ban following the tragic collision with Jesus de Miguel.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has handed FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono a 12-match suspension after a challenge that sadly led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
In the 96th minute of the match between the two teams on Monday, November 2, Owono was rushing out of his area to clear the ball and struck De Miguel in the chest. The 30-year-old striker was treated on the field and taken to hospital. Unfortunately, his condition got worse overnight, and he passed away the next day.
Owono, 25, shared a statement saying these have been “the most difficult days of my life” after the tragic accident. He also asked to be left out of Equatorial Guinea’s squad during the current international break.
After the incident, Owono received a red card. FC Andorra hasn’t played since that match but will face Almeria this Saturday in La Liga HyperMotion. Even without the extended ban, Owono would miss the game because of the usual suspension after a red card.
Before that game, the RFEF decided to extend Owono’s suspension to 12 matches. They said he used “excessive force” and called his move a “reckless, high-legged tackle.” This is the toughest punishment under the RFEF rules.
The RFEF’s statement explained: “In the 96th minute, the player was sent off for a reckless, high-legged tackle on an opponent while the ball was still in play. The referee noted the seriousness of the action, especially because of the high leg and the force used during the challenge. The player was described as ‘violently striking an opponent in the chest with excessive force.’ This tragic event, leading to the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is well known.”
Because of how serious the situation was, the disciplinary committee decided on the maximum penalty—a 12-match ban.
According to Article 102 of the RFEF Disciplinary Code, violent acts against opponents causing injury can lead to suspensions from four to twelve matches, depending on the severity. If a medical staff member commits such an act, the suspension is longer, along with possible fines.