Andorra goalkeeper Owono banned 12 matches over collision before Tenerife forward's death

The Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee has suspended FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono for 12 matches. The Guardian and ESPN report that the ban was issued on Friday.

Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, was sent off after colliding with Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel. The collision happened late in a second-tier Spanish league match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on 2 November. It occurred in midfield as Owono came out to challenge for a high ball. De Miguel died the next day, 3 November, aged 30.

The committee said its assessment had to rest on the referee's report. That report states Owono was sent off for "violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play". The committee said the conduct and the circumstances justified the maximum sanction.

The federation also decided the match will not be replayed. The result at the moment it was abandoned will stand. According to BBC Sport, play stopped seven minutes into stoppage time with the score at 2-2.

Spanish police opened an investigation. According to the Guardian, police sources said it was opened under judicial supervision. ESPN reported that it concerns possible involuntary manslaughter. ESPN noted that under Spanish law, deaths from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation. ESPN also reported that Spanish prosecutors consider criminal proceedings unlikely. The reports do not identify those prosecutors or quote them directly.

According to ESPN, De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest after the collision. The Guardian reported that he was placed in intensive care. The reports do not describe official medical findings on the cause of death.

According to the Guardian, around 400 mourners attended De Miguel's funeral, including Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

What each side says

The Guardian quoted the committee as saying: "In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances … the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified."

On the result, BBC Sport quoted the federation as saying: "This avoids having to resume play from the precise moment at which the tragic incident occurred." It called this the "most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case".

Owono issued a statement through his club. The Guardian quoted it as saying: "These are the hardest days of my life." He added: "I know there will be many issues to address and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect."

On Thursday, FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said it would be up to Owono to decide whether and when to return. ESPN quoted him as saying: "He is deeply affected by the situation." According to BBC Sport, Manso said Owono is spending time with his family.

What remains unclear

The reports do not say whether Owono or FC Andorra will appeal. They include no reaction to the ban from Tenerife or De Miguel's family. They do not explain which competitions the ban covers.

Analysis

The case sits at the meeting point of sporting discipline and possible legal scrutiny. The committee based its sanction on the referee's report and chose the maximum available penalty. A separate police inquiry continues, and the reports do not describe its status. ESPN reports that prosecutors see criminal proceedings as unlikely, but this has not been confirmed by other outlets. Several outcomes remain open, including a possible appeal of the ban or a decision by Owono not to return. The case may also prompt wider discussion about player safety and how governing bodies respond to rare, fatal on-field incidents.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.