Owono Hit with Maximum 12-Game Ban After Fatal On-Pitch Incident; Future Undecided

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a stringent 12-match suspension by the Spanish football federation's disciplinary committee following a challenge that tragically led to the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The incident, which occurred during a second-tier match between the two sides on November 2, has cast a somber shadow over Spanish football, with the committee emphasizing the severe nature of the conduct in its decision.

Owono, 25, was sent off in the closing stages of the game after colliding with De Miguel, who was 30 years old, during the fateful encounter. The disciplinary committee’s ruling was predicated on the referee's official report, which explicitly stated that the Equatorial Guinea international was dismissed for 'violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play.' Recognizing the 'tragic outcome' and the 'nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances,' the committee deemed the maximum possible sanction, a 12-match suspension, to be fully justified.

In a separate but related decision, the federation has confirmed that the match itself, which was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time with the score at 2-2, will not be replayed. This resolution, according to a federation committee, was chosen as the 'most respectful course of action, given the extraordinary and tragic circumstances of this case,' specifically to avoid the necessity of resuming play from the precise moment of the tragic incident. The 2-2 draw will now stand as the official result. Meanwhile, Owono conveyed through his club on November 4 that he was experiencing 'the most difficult days' of his life and felt 'enormous pain' regarding De Miguel's untimely passing.

Looking ahead, Owono’s future in football remains deeply uncertain. FC Andorra manager Carles Manso revealed on Thursday that the goalkeeper has yet to decide whether he will return to the sport. Manso stated that Owono is currently spending time with his family and is 'completely free to make any decision' regarding his potential return. The club has pledged to 'support him in every way and be close to him,' granting him the necessary space to make such a profound personal choice when he feels genuinely ready. This period of reflection highlights the immense emotional toll the incident has taken on all involved, transcending the boundaries of the pitch.