Death of Jesus de Miguel; Goalkeeper Owono Receives Maximum Suspension

The disciplinary case related to the death of Jesus de Miguel has concluded with a severe penalty for Owono, who received the maximum suspension allowed under the regulations: a 12-match suspension. The decision was made by the Disciplinary Committee of the Spanish Football Federation, which applied Article 102 of the Disciplinary Code, concerning violent acts that result in serious consequences. The provision calls for a suspension ranging from a minimum of four to a maximum of twelve matches.

The ruling’s reasoning highlights the particular violence of the tackle: Owono had swung his leg high, striking De Miguel with a force deemed excessive by the referee, while the ball was still in play. The tragic outcome of the incident also influenced the decision.

The incident occurred on November 2, during the Segunda División match between Tenerife and Andorra. In stoppage time, the Andorran team’s goalkeeper had come off his line to contest the ball and had violently struck the opposing forward. The referee immediately issued a direct red card. De Miguel was immediately given first aid and transported to the hospital, where he died the following day, November 3, at the age of 30. Owono’s conduct was not classified as assault, a circumstance that could have resulted in an even harsher penalty. The disciplinary assessment was based on the referee’s report and the circumstances of the incident.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper is going through a particularly difficult time following the tragedy. Andorra is providing him with support and protection, while in recent days his social media accounts were shut down following a series of insults and threats he received. Furthermore, the player is not training with the rest of the team. The club has decided not to appeal, fully accepting the 12-match suspension. This dramatic incident has deeply shaken Spanish soccer.