FIFA bans Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for five matches

FIFA has suspended Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for five World Cup matches after his reckless tackle in the 56th minute of Qatar’s 6‑0 victory over Canada, which left Canadian midfielder Ismaël Koné with a broken shinbone and calfbone and requiring immediate surgery. Madibo, aged 29, delivered a tackle that was deemed excessively forceful. Ismaël Koné was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after his shinbone and calfbone were fractured. FIFA’s disciplinary committee first limited Madibo’s ban to the final group game. The committee later extended the suspension to five matches. The expanded ban prevents Madibo from participating in any upcoming international fixtures until it is served.

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Qatar’s campaign ended after a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning Madibo will not serve any of the five‑match ban at this World Cup. The suspension therefore applies to future competitions. Canada’s tournament also concluded with a 2‑1 loss to Switzerland. The defeat eliminated Canada from the knockout stage.

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A few days after the incident, Madibo visited Koné in the hospital. The meeting occurred as Qatar prepared for its historic first appearance in a World Cup knockout round.