AFE demands match postponement after death of Jesus de Miguel

The AFE, the union representing Spanish footballers, on Thursday, Nov. 5, requested the postponement of every professional match scheduled for the weekend as a sign of “respect” and “humanity,” following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, rfi.fr reported.

De Miguel, 30, died Tuesday morning after a violent collision with Andorra’s goalkeeper during a match on Monday, according to lefigaro.fr. Players and players’ representatives “from all categories” contacted by their union were unanimous, the outlet reported, in saying the next round of Spain’s various championships “should not be played” after the death of the 30-year-old.

Union says people must come before sporting and economic interests

The AFE said the players expressed deep sadness over the loss and believe the psychological and human conditions are not in place to approach competition under normal circumstances, lefigaro.fr reported. It added that the union conveyed the players’ view that the most appropriate solution would be to suspend the matchday, calling for respect, mourning and sensitivity.

Aware that its request is difficult to realize from a scheduling standpoint, the organization appealed to Spanish football’s institutions to show that “people” come before “sporting and economic interests.”

Several matches already postponed this week

A number of fixtures have already been called off this week, including Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina ties, as well as the weekend matches involving Tenerife, Andorra and Castellón — De Miguel’s former club — both outlets reported.

Decision on the weekend’s slate still pending

The weekend’s professional fixtures across the country were still on the calendar, with the union’s appeal placing the decision in the hands of the institutions that govern the Spanish game.

More on this story: Jesús de Miguel dies after colliding with goalkeeper in Tenerife match · Jesús de Miguel Dies: Tenerife Forward Passes Away Following Pitch Collision

More on Miguel: Jesús de Miguel funeral held in Navahermosa following match injury · Jesús de Miguel autopsy finds accidental thoracic trauma after FC Andorra match collision · Jesús de Miguel laid to rest in Navahermosa following funeral service