Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been handed a five-match ban following a tackle that broke the leg of Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné during a World Cup match. The incident occurred on Wednesday, and the ban was announced by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
The tackle, which took place in the second half of the group stage game, left Koné with a fractured tibia. Medical staff rushed onto the pitch to treat the Canadian player before he was taken to a local hospital for surgery.
FIFA confirmed the suspension in a statement, noting that Madibo's actions were deemed reckless and endangering the safety of an opponent. The ban applies to all international matches, including qualifiers and friendlies.
Koné, a key player for Canada, is expected to be sidelined for several months as he recovers from the injury. The Canadian Soccer Association expressed disappointment over the incident but refrained from commenting on the severity of the ban.
Madibo, who plays for Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, has apologized for the tackle, stating it was unintentional. The five-match suspension is one of the longest handed down for a foul during the tournament.
