Tenerife manager Álvaro Cervera has described the 12-match suspension imposed on FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono as potentially too lenient following the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, although he acknowledged that the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee was bound by existing regulations.
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Owono, 25, received a red card following a collision with De Miguel during the closing stages of a Spanish second-division match between FC Andorra and Tenerife on November 2, 2026.
The incident occurred when De Miguel, 30, was chasing a high ball near midfield and the goalkeeper rushed outside his penalty area, striking the Tenerife forward in the chest with his leg.
De Miguel suffered cardiac arrest following the collision and died the next day.
On Friday, the Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee handed Owono a 12-match suspension, the maximum punishment permitted under the applicable regulations.
The committee based its decision on the referee’s report, which described the challenge as “violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play”.
It clarified that the disciplinary ruling concerned the on-field offence rather than the fatal consequences of the collision.
Reacting ahead of Tenerife’s first match since the tragedy, against Ceuta, Cervera explained that the committee had applied the existing rules despite the circumstances surrounding his player’s death.
“I think that, just as in other areas of life, there are rules or laws that must be followed,” Cervera said.
“Since the current regulations don’t specifically account for what happened, I believe they have simply adhered to the rules and imposed the number of matches permitted by the regulations.”
The 61-year-old manager acknowledged that the punishment could appear inadequate but maintained that the disciplinary committee had limited options.
“It might seem a bit light when compared to other cases, but in reality, I don’t think the rules allow for anything else,” he added.
Cervera also expressed concern about the emotional condition of his players as the club prepared to return to competitive football.
He explained that although the squad appeared to be gradually regaining normality during training, it remained difficult to determine how individual players were coping with the loss outside the club environment.
“When we’re together, we’re fine; during our sessions, we’re doing well,” he said.
“It feels like the group is gradually getting back to normal. What we don’t know is how everyone is doing when we’re apart, and that’s a significant factor.”
He acknowledged that the grieving process differed among players, particularly because some had stronger support systems at home than others.
“Everyone has their own way of coping and their own thoughts; some have people at home to support them, while others are more on their own,” Cervera stated.
Describing the team’s emotional recovery as a “very slow process”, the manager admitted that he was uncertain whether all his players were prepared for the return to competitive action.
According to him, some might welcome the match as a distraction, while others could struggle with the emotional demands of playing so soon after losing their teammate.
Meanwhile, Owono has expressed his condolences to De Miguel’s family through a statement issued by FC Andorra.
Andorra manager Carles Manso disclosed on Thursday that the goalkeeper had been deeply affected by the incident and would be allowed to decide when he felt ready to play again.
“He is deeply affected by the situation,” Manso said.
“We will give him the space to feel completely free to decide whether, and when, he might want to return.”
Spanish police have also opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the striker’s death.
Under Spanish law, deaths resulting from non-natural causes, including accidents, are subject to judicial investigation, although prosecutors have indicated that criminal proceedings are unlikely.
The police investigation is separate from the football disciplinary proceedings, which resulted in Owono’s 12-match suspension.
As Tenerife prepares to resume its season, Cervera’s immediate concern remains helping his players cope with De Miguel’s death while navigating their return to competitive football.
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