Qatar’s Madibo handed five-match ban for breaking Kone’s leg
Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been slammed with a five-match ban following his tackle on Canada’s Ismail Kone in their second group match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He was sent off in the encounter as Qatar lost 6-0 after a dangerous tackle on Kone that resulted in a broken leg.
Kone later underwent surgery on broken tibia and fibula in his left leg and he is expected to be ruled out of action for nine months.
Madibo took to social media to apologise after the game.
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He wrote: “You can’t even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers.”
The FIFA disciplinary committee said the suspension was for serious foul play and that the decision was subject to appeal.
Kone plies his trade at Sassuolo in the Italian Serie A.
He made his debut for Canada on March 24 against Costa Rica, as a substitute for Jonathan Osorio in a World Cup qualifier encounter.
He has scored four golds in 42 matches for Canada.
