Jesús Owono Faces Possible 12-Match Ban After Fatal Collision That Killed Tenerife Striker

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono is facing potential disciplinary consequences following the on-field collision that claimed the life of CD Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel. The 25-year-old goalkeeper was sent off during the match, and Spanish football authorities are reviewing the incident to determine the appropriate punishment. Depending on how the challenge is classified, Owono could face a suspension of up to 12 matches, while a separate police investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death.

The tragedy occurred on November 2, 2026, during a Spanish second-division match between Tenerife and Andorra at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium. In the closing minutes, Owono rushed out of his penalty area to challenge for a long ball and collided with De Miguel, striking the striker with his raised leg. De Miguel collapsed and required emergency medical attention. He was taken to hospital but died the following morning at the age of 30. The match was abandoned with the score at 2–2.

According to the referee’s report, Owono was dismissed for striking an opponent with excessive force while the ball was in play. Under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, violent conduct during a match that causes serious injury can carry a suspension of four to 12 matches. A less serious classification under Article 130 could result in a ban of one to three matches. Spanish sports newspaper AS reported that the goalkeeper could face a suspension of eight to 12 matches if the more serious provision is applied.

However, the disciplinary decision has been delayed. The RFEF committee postponed its ruling out of respect for De Miguel’s family and because the match’s official status had first needed to be settled. The competition judge subsequently declared the game finished at 2–2 rather than requiring the teams to resume play. As of November 9, the final disciplinary punishment had not yet been announced.

Alongside the sporting review, Spanish National Police have opened a judicial investigation into De Miguel’s death, as required in cases involving an unnatural death. Investigators are expected to examine video footage, the referee’s report and statements from those involved. However, the opening of an investigation does not mean Owono has been charged with a crime. The chief prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has said that criminal proceedings would be very difficult because the collision occurred during a normal contest for the ball in a contact sport.

The tragedy has also had a profound impact on Owono. FC Andorra published a statement in which the goalkeeper described the days following De Miguel’s death as the most difficult of his life, expressing deep sorrow for the loss and sympathy for the striker’s family. He has also faced online abuse, prompting concerns about the treatment of a player involved in an accidental sporting tragedy. As the disciplinary committee considers its decision and police continue their inquiries, both families and the football community are left dealing with the consequences of an incident that no one on the pitch expected.