Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the disciplinary committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The sanction follows a collision during a second-tier match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on 2 November.
Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel was involved in the incident, which resulted in him being transported to intensive care. He passed away the following day, leading the federation to impose the maximum possible penalty under its disciplinary code.
The committee stated that Owono committed a serious infringement under Article 102, citing violent conduct that caused a severe injury. The ruling also includes associated fines as stipulated by Article 52 of the federation's disciplinary regulations.
Explaining the severity of the decision, the committee noted that the referee’s report described the challenge as excessive. The official highlighted the manner in which the action was carried out, specifically noting the goalkeeper's raised leg and the force of the impact.
The committee added that the tragic death of De Miguel was public knowledge and justified the application of the maximum sanction level. The federation emphasised that the specific circumstances of the event necessitated such a firm disciplinary response.
Owono, 25, has since withdrawn from the Equatorial Guinea national squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe. He previously described the aftermath of the incident as the most difficult period of his life.
FC Andorra manager Carles Manso stated on Thursday that the goalkeeper has yet to decide if he will return to professional competition. The club has committed to providing Owono with the necessary time and space to process the situation.
The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation has expressed its support for the player, noting that he is experiencing profound sorrow and grief following the event.
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