MADRID (The Thursday Times) — Spanish police have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter after the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, a routine step after any death not by natural causes, but the region’s chief prosecutor says a criminal case would be “very difficult”.
De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday, a day after a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono in the sixth minute of stoppage time of a Spanish second-division match.
Jose Luis Sanchez-Jauregui, chief public prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, said the impact happened in the course of play, and that Supreme Court doctrine holds that injuries on a sports field are not punishable unless play had stopped. He said he would wait for the referee’s report and a decision by the disciplinary committee. De Miguel’s family could still file a complaint.
The referee’s report said Owono was sent off “for impacting sharply upon an opponent with his leg high and excessive force in dispute of the ball”. Under federation protocols he could face a 12-game ban.
Owono, 25, an Equatorial Guinea international, has faced abuse since the match. Spanish media reported that sections of the crowd chanted “murderer” as he left the field and that he has deactivated his Instagram account. Sources close to Andorra insist he had no intention of hurting De Miguel, and Spanish radio reported that he was seen crying and praying in the dressing room.
Tributes came from across the sport. “There are no words. My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends,” Lionel Messi wrote. Kylian Mbappe said: “Much sadness, there are no words.” Gerard Pique, who co-owns Andorra and was at the match, wrote: “I am so deeply sorry, to my soul. Rest in peace, Jesus.”
The Spanish federation postponed Tuesday’s cup matches, and Tenerife have asked to postpone their next two games. Club president Felipe Minambres said players would need “professional assistance”, and Andorra said it was giving psychological support to anyone who needs it.
De Miguel scored 11 goals in 29 appearances for Tenerife after joining in 2025. He leaves a daughter, born last year.
