FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono handed 12-match ban after De Miguel death
The Spanish Football Federation imposed the maximum suspension following a collision that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel.
The Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary committee has handed Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono a 12-match suspension. According to the Times of India, the sanction follows an on-field collision during a Spanish second-division match on November 2 between FC Andorra and Tenerife that led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel Alameda.
The committee imposed the maximum sanction under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary code, which covers violent conduct against an opponent during play resulting in serious injury. The committee stated the referee described the impact as excessive and noted the seriousness of the action due to the raised leg and forcefulness of the impact.
De Miguel, 30, was admitted to intensive care after the collision and died the following day on November 3. The disciplinary action also carries fines prescribed under Article 52 of the code.
Owono, 25, has described the ordeal as the most difficult days of his life. He previously withdrew from the Equatorial Guinea squad for Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe this month.
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that the club will give the goalkeeper time and space to decide if or when he will return to competitive action. Manso added that Owono is currently spending time with his family, friends, and partner.
A crowdfunding campaign organised by Hercules forward Fran Sol raised €213,160 for De Miguel's family. The family expressed their thanks to supporters through the Spanish Players Association on Thursday.