Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has received a five-match ban following a dangerous challenge on Canada's Ismael Kone during the World Cup.
The incident occurred during Qatar’s 6-0 defeat to Canada last Thursday. Madibo was sent off after a tackle that resulted in Kone suffering fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his left leg.
The severity of the injury left players from both teams visibly distraught. Madibo was seen crying on the pitch as teammates comforted him after realizing the impact of the challenge.
Kone was immediately transported to a hospital in Vancouver for surgery. Following the procedure, Madibo visited the injured midfielder to offer his support.
The FIFA disciplinary committee issued the suspension for serious foul play, noting that the decision remains subject to appeal.
Canada manager Jesse Marsch described the moment of the injury, stating that the coaching staff could hear the bone snap from the bench. He noted that the nature of the injury left the entire team shaken.
Marsch emphasized that Kone is a central figure in the squad and described his absence as a significant loss for the team.
Madibo was excluded from Qatar’s final World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. His nation was eliminated from the competition at the group stage.
Despite a defeat in their final group game against Switzerland, Canada has progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament as group runners-up.
