Jesus Owono, the goalkeeper for FC Andorra, was suspended for 12 matches by the disciplinary committee of the Spanish football federation on Friday. This decision follows the tragic incident last week in which his challenge on Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel resulted in the latter's death.
The incident occurred during a second division match on November 2. Owono was sent off after running into the midfield and colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball. The 30-year-old Spanish forward was rushed to intensive care following the impact but passed away the next day on November 3.
In a statement released by the committee, officials noted that their assessment was based on the facts recorded in the referee's report. The report described the action as the player violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg using excessive force while the ball was in play.
The committee acknowledged that the tragic outcome, which led to the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda, is widely known. Citing the nature of the conduct and the surrounding circumstances, the body concluded that the maximum sanction of a 12-match suspension was justified in this case.
Spanish police sources told the AFP news agency last week that a judicial investigation into the event had been opened under judicial supervision. This legal process runs parallel to the disciplinary actions taken by the football federation.
Owono, a 25-year-old from Equatorial Guinea, expressed deep grief in a statement published by his club last week. He described the period as the hardest days of his life, noting that he struggled to find the right words to process the events.
"I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I think of him, of his family, and of all the people who loved him," the goalkeeper stated. He added that while he would face whatever issues arose with respect, his current focus was entirely on the loss and the pain being experienced by those involved.
Following the tragedy, Owono withdrew from the Equatorial Guinea squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe earlier this month. The decision allowed him to focus on the personal impact of the incident away from the national team.
FC Andorra coach Carles Manso announced on Thursday that the decision to return to football rests solely with Owono. The club stated it would provide the goalkeeper with the necessary time and space to make that choice when he feels ready.
Tenerife players and fans gathered at the club's stadium on Saturday for a memorial service to bid farewell to De Miguel. His funeral had taken place the previous Thursday and was attended by approximately 400 mourners, including Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
