Jesus de Miguel: Sports authorities put the brakes on; any decision regarding goalkeeper Owono is postponed
We will have to wait until next week to learn the disciplinary consequences—from a sports perspective—related to what happened in stoppage time during the Tenerife-Andorra match, following the tragic events that unfortunately led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel. On Thursday, however, an initial official decision was announced: Rafael Alonso, the Disciplinary Judge for Spanish professional competitions, ruled that the final score would be 2-2, upholding the result despite two minutes still remaining on the clock.
As for the disciplinary sanctions against Andorra’s goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, the Disciplinary Committee of the RFEF (the Spanish Football Federation) has decided to postpone any decision until next week. This decision was made out of the utmost respect for the family, especially considering that the player’s funeral was held today.
From a regulatory standpoint, the Sports Judge’s decision exceptionally modified the procedural deadlines: the match was formally declared concluded, and the clubs will have more time to submit their comments on what occurred. Consequently, Owono’s penalty will not be determined until the coming days.
Owono himself, in the wake of De Miguel’s death, published a heart-wrenching statement explaining his state of mind: “These are the hardest days of my life. I’m struggling to find the words, and it’s very difficult for me to process everything that has happened. I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesús. My thoughts are with him, his family, and all the people who loved him.”
The Andorra goalkeeper—who, incidentally, is the subject of an investigation into possible manslaughter—was forced to deactivate his social media accounts due to the insults and threats he received: “I know there will be many issues to address, and I will do so with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I can’t think of anything other than Jesús and the pain we’re going through.”
