Spanish goalkeeper faces investigation after teammate dies from match injury
Jesús Owono is under review for negligent homicide after a knee collision during a league game led to the death of CD Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Jesús Owono, the goalkeeper for FC Andorra, is facing a criminal investigation in Spain following the death of opposing forward Jesús de Miguel. The incident occurred during a professional football match on Monday, November 2. De Miguel died the following morning at a local clinic.
The collision happened near the end of the game at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López. Owono struck De Miguel in the head with his knee. The referee indicated the ball was in dispute at the moment of impact. De Miguel suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest on the field. Paramedics revived him and transported him to the intensive care unit of a nearby hospital.
His club initially reported that De Miguel was stable despite the severity of his condition. They later updated their statement to note his condition had worsened. He did not survive his injuries.
Spanish authorities have opened a probe into the case. The National Police are examining the incident for possible negligent homicide. The Superior Court of Justice of Canary Islands stated that any death without a natural cause triggers an automatic judicial investigation. Sources from the National Police Homicide Group confirmed this procedure is currently active.
Owono released a statement through his club on Tuesday. He described the past days as the hardest of his life. “I feel an immense pain for the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him,” he said. He added that he will face whatever comes with respect but currently can only think about the sorrow they are experiencing.
Legal experts note that if found guilty, Owono could face a fine for lesser negligence or up to four years in prison for greater negligence. A guilty verdict requires a criminal cause to be established and a full trial. In the sporting realm, specialists suggest the player may face a suspension of between 12 and 15 matches.
The investigation remains in its early stages. Authorities have not yet determined the final legal classification of the incident.
