Jesus Owono was given a 12-match ban following the death of Jesus de Miguel; The goalkeeper of FC Andorra has not yet decided on his return

Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono (AP Photo) Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono has been handed a 12-match ban by the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee following a collision on the pitch that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel.Owono, who plays for Spanish second division club FC Andorra, collided with De Miguel during their league match on November 2. The Tenerife forward was taken to hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit, but died the following day.The federation’s disciplinary committee imposed the maximum sanction under Article 102 of the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code, which deals with violent behavior towards an opponent during a game resulting in serious injury. The related fines prescribed in Article 52 are also associated with the suspension.“The referee’s own description makes it possible to appreciate the extraordinary severity of the action, both because of the way it was executed, with the leg raised, and because of the force of the impact, which the referee explicitly described as excessive,” the commission said.“It is public knowledge that the tragic outcome of the events was the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” it added, adding that the particular gravity of the case justifies “imposing the sanction at its maximum level.”

Owono undecided on comeback after ‘toughest days of my life’

While the disciplinary proceedings have been announced, Owon’s immediate future in football remains uncertain, with the 25-year-old yet to decide when or if he will return to competitive action.FC Andorra manager Carles Manso said on Thursday that the club will give the goalkeeper the time and space he needs to make up his mind following the tragedy.“We have to support him in every way and be close to him,” Manso said at Thursday’s press conference.“We will give him the space to feel completely free and decide if he wants to come back, when, or if he doesn’t want to come back.”Manso added that Owono was spending time with his family, friends and partner as he dealt with the aftermath of the incident.“It’s a very complicated situation to manage,” the manager said, adding that the goalkeeper will decide on his next move “when he sees fit and when he feels really ready to make that decision”.Owono had earlier withdrawn from Equatorial Guinea’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe this month. The goalkeeper, who has 47 caps, described the ordeal as “the hardest days of my life” in a statement released through his club.The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also said it was experiencing “deep sorrow and grief” following De Miguel’s death.

Tribute to CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel. (Reuters Photo)

De Miguel’s family thanks supporters after fundraising campaign

Meanwhile, De Miguel’s family released a statement through the Spanish Players’ Association on Thursday, thanking those who have extended their support following the Tenerife striker’s death.A crowdfunding campaign organized by third club Hercules striker Fran Sole for the family raised €213,160.“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks for all the expressions of affection and support we have received,” De Miguel’s family said.“We were deeply moved to see how so many of you rallied behind this initiative.The family also thanked Sol for setting up the campaign, with proceeds going to support De Miguel’s relatives.FC Andorra are due to travel to Almeria on Saturday for their first game since the tragedy.