Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches after the tackle that left Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné with a broken leg during the FIFA World Cup.
Madibo received a straight red card following the incident in Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver last Thursday.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced that the suspension was imposed for serious foul play, adding that the ruling remains subject to appeal.
Canada’s historic first World Cup win was overshadowed by the injury to Koné, who was stretchered off the pitch after the challenge and later underwent surgery for fractures to the tibia and fibula in his left leg.
The incident occurred in the 51st minute when Madibo tackled Koné from behind. Players from both teams immediately signaled concern as the Canadian international remained on the ground in visible pain.
Following the match, Madibo personally apologized to Koné and appeared deeply affected by the severity of the injury.
In a message shared on Instagram after the operation, Koné thanked supporters for their prayers and encouragement.
“You can’t even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers,” he wrote.
Qatar’s World Cup campaign came to an end on Wednesday after a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina confirmed their elimination from the tournament.
