Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches by FIFA over his horror challenge on Canada’s Ismael Kone, which resulted in the latter suffering a broken leg at the 2026 World Cup, a disciplinary committee confirmed on Wednesday.
The serious foul play in the 51st minute earned the Qatar player a straight red in his country’s crushing 6-0 loss to the hosts in Vancouver, which was subject to an appeal.
Madibo’s punishment effectively ends his involvement in the tournament as he will be suspended for the remainder of Qatar’s World Cup fixtures.
The incident took shine off Canada’s maiden World Cup win, in a campaign already hampered by several injury issues.
Kone sustained both tibias fractured while undergoing surgery, after being stretched off but managing a reassuring wave to fans on his departure from the field amid loud ovation, as FIFA slapped a ban on Madibo, who was seen apologetic immediately.
Qatari players rushed to congratulate injured Kone in the dressing room as his manager Jesse Marsch confirmed he ‘personally spoke to Ismael.’ A week later, Madibo, who visited the injured player with Qatar’s Sports Minister, also received a standing ovation after appearing before the media following the match in Montreal.
Meanwhile, Kone has shared videos of the visit, thanking fans for their wishes.
