Qatar's Assim Madibo has been handed a five-match ban by FIFA for a tackle that resulted in a fractured leg for Canada's Ismaël Kone during a World Cup match. The incident occurred last Thursday in Vancouver during Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar.
Madibo received a straight red card for the tackle, which FIFA's disciplinary committee deemed serious foul play. The suspension is subject to appeal. Kone sustained fractures to his tibia and fibula in his left leg, requiring surgery. He was stretchered off the field and later posted on Instagram expressing gratitude for the support he has received.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch described the injury, stating he "could hear the bone snap." An assistant coach for Canada was also heard shouting to officials that Kone's "leg is hanging off."
Madibo has since apologized to Kone in person. The ban meant Madibo missed Qatar's final group game, a 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw Qatar eliminated from the tournament. This ban is not the most severe issued by FIFA at a World Cup; Luis Suarez received a nine-match suspension in 2014 for biting, and Mauro Tassotti was banned for eight games in 1994 for an elbow.