FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono could face imprisonment if he is charged with involuntary homicide over the collision that led to the death of Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel.

According to reports from Spain, police in the Canary Islands have opened an investigation into De Miguel’s death. Under Spanish law, an unnatural death automatically triggers a judicial inquiry.

The chief public prosecutor in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, told EFE that it would be “very difficult” for a legal case to proceed because the incident occurred during a football match.

Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel dies after collapsing during match

However, a formal complaint could still be brought against the Equatorial Guinean goalkeeper. If a charge of involuntary homicide is brought and he is found guilty, he could face a prison sentence of between three months and four years.

In cases involving a death, Spanish law also distinguishes between different degrees of negligence. Under Article 142 of the Criminal Code, causing someone’s death through gross negligence can carry a prison sentence of between one and four years.

However, that provision would only become relevant if investigators established the necessary elements of a criminal offense. It would not apply simply because a challenge had tragic consequences.

There is reportedly no precedent for a footballer facing legal proceedings over a challenge during a match, making the case different from an incident that occurs off the pitch.

Under federation protocols, Owono could also face a 12-match ban. The disciplinary committee is expected to decide on the matter, with a suspension appearing to be the likely sanction unless there is a development in the legal proceedings.

The match between Tenerife and FC Andorra was abandoned seven minutes into stoppage time after De Miguel collapsed following a collision with Owono.

The goalkeeper had rushed out of his area to clear a long ball and struck the striker in the chest with his knee.

Medics attended to the 30-year-old on the pitch and spent more than five minutes trying to revive him. He was later taken to hospital, where he died despite efforts to save him.

SB/JKB

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