Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono has been suspended for 12 matches for the collision that led to the death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.

The disciplinary committee of the Spanish soccer federation handed down the ban Friday. It is the maximum suspension allowed for the offense.

Owono, 25, was sent off after he crashed into De Miguel near midfield late in a second-division game in Tenerife on Nov. 2. De Miguel went into cardiac arrest on the field and died in a hospital the next morning. He was 30.

What the committee said

The committee said it based its decision on the referee's report. That report said Owono was sent off for "violently striking an opponent in the chest with his leg, using excessive force, while the ball was in play."

"The tragic outcome of the incident, resulting in the death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, is public knowledge," the committee said.

"In view of the nature of the conduct described and the accompanying circumstances ... the maximum sanction, 12 matches of suspension, is justified."

The committee called it a serious offense under the federation's disciplinary code. Owono was also hit with fines, though the amount was not announced.

Owono has not played since

Owono has not been on the field since that night. In a statement after De Miguel died, he said he was living through "the most difficult days of my life."

"I feel immense pain at the loss of Jesús," Owono said. "I'm thinking of him, his family and all the people who loved him."

He said he knows there will be many issues to address and that he will face whatever comes "with the utmost respect." He signed off: "Rest in peace, Jesús."

Andorra gives him space

Andorra coach Carles Manso said recently that his goalkeeper is struggling.

"He is deeply affected by the situation," Manso said. He added that the club will give Owono the space to decide for himself whether and when he wants to return.

Manso has also said it was obvious Owono never meant to hurt anyone and called the collision a tragedy he will have to live with.

Police inquiry continues

Spanish police opened an investigation after De Miguel's death, as is standard under Spanish law when someone dies of non-natural causes. Prosecutors have reportedly said criminal charges are unlikely.

Tenerife held a large funeral for De Miguel. Tributes poured in from clubs and fans across Spanish soccer.