A judicial investigation has been launched into the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died on Tuesday morning at the Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, hours after suffering a severe chest injury during a Spanish second-division match against FC Andorra. The match, which was tied 2-2, was suspended after medical personnel attended to De Miguel on the pitch.
The chief prosecutor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, has said that criminal proceedings against FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono are highly unlikely. Sanchez-Jauregui explained that the incident occurred during active play, which could significantly affect whether the goalkeeper faces criminal liability. According to Spanish Supreme Court principles, injuries sustained during sporting competitions are generally treated differently from deliberate assaults.
The prosecutor referred to the distinction between incidents that occur during normal play and those that take place during a stoppage. However, he stressed that the circumstances of the challenge must still be examined. The referee’s report and the assessment of the Spanish Football Federation disciplinary authorities will help establish whether the goalkeeper’s actions constituted dangerous play and whether there was any intention to cause harm.
While criminal prosecution appears unlikely, Owono could still face disciplinary punishment. According to a separate report, the goalkeeper risks a suspension of between four and twelve matches under Article 102 of the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary code. The provision concerns violent conduct during play that results in serious injury, provided the incident does not constitute a more serious offence.
Spanish police have opened an investigation into De Miguel’s death, a standard procedure in cases of non-natural death that does not automatically establish criminal responsibility. Sanchez-Jauregui said the player’s family could file a complaint, although he considers criminal prosecution unlikely. The football federation’s disciplinary assessment remains pending.
De Miguel’s death has prompted condolences across Spanish football, while the Spanish Football Federation has postponed several domestic cup fixtures and UEFA has announced a minute of silence at European club matches. The incident has raised questions about player safety and the responsibilities of players and referees during matches.
The investigation and potential disciplinary actions against Owono will be closely watched by the football community. The outcome will likely have implications for player safety and the protocols in place for handling serious incidents during matches. Key stakeholders will be monitoring the situation closely as it develops.
Key points
- The goalkeeper faces a possible suspension of 4-12 matches under the Spanish Football Federation's disciplinary code.
- The prosecutor considers criminal prosecution unlikely due to the incident occurring during active play.
- An investigation into De Miguel's death has been launched by Spanish police.
