FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been handed a 12-match suspension by the Spanish Football Federation following a collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel that resulted in the forward’s death.

The federation’s disciplinary committee announced the punishment on Friday, November 13, describing the incident as a serious infringement involving violent conduct and excessive force.

Owono, an international goalkeeper for Equatorial Guinea, was sent off during FC Andorra’s Spanish second-division encounter with Tenerife on November 2 after rushing out of his area and colliding with De Miguel while attempting to clear an aerial ball.

The 30-year-old Tenerife forward was taken to hospital and admitted to intensive care following the incident. He died the next day, November 3.

In its ruling, the disciplinary committee said the referee’s report recorded that Owono had struck his opponent in the chest with his leg while using excessive force during play.

The committee said the nature of the challenge, including the goalkeeper’s raised leg and the force of the impact, justified the maximum 12-match suspension available under the applicable disciplinary provision.

It also acknowledged the fatal outcome of the incident, describing De Miguel’s death as a tragic consequence of the collision.

The sanction was imposed under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, alongside the corresponding fines provided for under Article 52.

Following De Miguel’s death, Owono expressed deep remorse and sympathy for the deceased player’s family in a statement released by FC Andorra.

“These are the hardest days of my life. I struggle to find the words and it is very difficult for me to process anything that has happened,” he said.

He added that he felt immense pain over the loss of De Miguel and was thinking of his family and everyone who loved him.

“I know there will be many issues to address, and I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesús and the pain we are going through,” he said.

The goalkeeper subsequently withdrew from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Zimbabwe.

FC Andorra coach Carles Manso said the club would give Owono the time and space he needed, adding that the decision on whether and when to return to competitive football would rest with the goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, Spanish police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision under judicial supervision.

The incident has also prompted tributes across Spanish football, with Tenerife supporters and players gathering at the club’s stadium to honour De Miguel.

His funeral was attended by about 400 mourners, including Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.

The 12-match suspension represents the sporting authorities’ disciplinary response to the incident, while the police investigation remains a separate process.