FIFA have handed a big ban to Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for the tackle that broke Canada star Ismael Kone’s leg at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Canada beat Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver last week but the country’s first ever win at a World Cup finals was marred by a serious injury to former Watford midfielder Kone.
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The 24-year-old now plays for Italian club Sassuolo but will miss a significant period of time after suffering fractures to his tibia and fibula bones in his lower left leg.
Madibo, who plays for Qatari club side Al-Wakrah SC on loan from Al Duhail SC, is believed to have visited Kone in hospital after surgery in Vancouver.
Madibo’s five-match ban confirmed by FIFA
FIFA have confirmed that their disciplinary panel have handed the 29-year-old a five-match ban for serious foul play, although that is subject to appeal.
Qatar, of course, have already been knocked out of the tournament, so the ban will carry over. Canada, meanwhile, have progressed into the last 32 after finishing second in Group B. They will play South Africa in Los Angeles on Sunday at 3pm EDT.
Madibo was visibly upset by the incident, and the length of the ban has been criticised in some circles, given there did not seem to be any malicious intent.
It is clearly a significant ban, but it is not the longest that has been issued during a FIFA World Cup tournament.
Former Italy defender Mauro Tassotti was given an eight-match ban for elbowing Spain midfielder Luis Enrique – now regarded as one of the best managers in soccer – during the 1994 tournament, which was also held in the United States.
Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, meanwhile, was given a record nine-match ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the 2014 edition in Brazil. Suarez was also banned from all soccer-related activity for four months, though he did join Barcelona from Liverpool that summer.
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