Spanish footballers call for matches to be halted after Jesus de Miguel’s death

The Spanish Footballers’ Association (AFE) has formally called for an entire round of La Liga matches to be suspended following the death of Jesus de Miguel.

The request came after a tragedy that has deeply affected Spanish football. AFE said it had held urgent and extensive consultations with players across every level of the game, from La Liga professionals to amateur teams.

Those discussions revealed, according to the organisation, “a complete consensus that they are unable to play”.

In a statement, AFE said: “The current psychological and emotional circumstances do not allow the competition to take place normally.”

The association added that players had told it directly that “the most appropriate and best course of action is to suspend this round”, while appealing to all relevant authorities to respect the grief and mourning felt throughout the football community.

The fixtures listed in connection with the appeal include Granada in the Segunda Division on 07 November 2026, as well as Tenerife against Andorra in the Segunda Division on 08 November 2026. Mallorca is also included in the fixture information.

AFE said its position was not simply an administrative request, but reflected a wider principle about the role of football during a period of mourning.

“Football has a historic opportunity to show the world that above all competitions and sporting and economic interests, there are human beings, and there are times when humanity, respect and solidarity must take absolute priority over any competition,” it said.

Aganzo highlights impact on players

AFE president David Aganzo spoke in Navahermosa, where a senior delegation from the association was present, and said the greatest tribute would be to dedicate a day to mourning.

“The greatest tribute we can pay now is a day of mourning,” Aganzo said. “There is still plenty of time for competition; we must set an example at national level.”

He also described the shock inside dressing rooms and criticised the influence of commercial interests when players’ wellbeing is at stake.

“We have all felt a tremendous shock,” Aganzo said. “We talk a great deal about the mental health of players, but when the time comes to take a decisive decision to protect it, the commercial side of the industry intervenes and obstructs everything.”

AFE’s appeal places the emotional condition of players at the centre of the debate, with the association urging football authorities to respond to the collective call for a suspension rather than proceed with the scheduled round of matches.