FIFA has handed a five-match suspension to Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo for an incident that left Canada defender Ismael Kone with a broken leg during a World Cup 2026 group stage match. In an announcement on 24/6, FIFA stated that the ban applies to Madibo's official matches for the Qatar national team. The disciplinary action was taken because Madibo's conduct was deemed "serious foul play" under FIFA's Disciplinary Code. FIFA also confirmed that the Qatari player has the right to appeal the decision to the Appeals Committee.
The incident occurred on 18/6 at BC Place in Vancouver. Madibo stepped on Kone's shin, causing the Canadian player to fall. Kone appeared shocked upon seeing signs of a broken leg. Several other players, including Madibo, were visibly distressed by the severity of his injury. Initially, Madibo received a yellow card, but after a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee upgraded it to a direct red card for dangerous play.
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Assim Madibo (in white) tackles Ismael Kone, causing a serious injury during Qatar's 0-6 loss to Canada in the second match of World Cup 2026 Group B in Vancouver, British Columbia, on 18/6. Photo: Reuters
Kone was immediately stretchered off the field, given oxygen, and rushed to a Vancouver hospital for emergency surgery. Following his surgery, Kone posted a lengthy message on social media, expressing his faith, gratitude to supporters, and his readiness to face the challenges of recovery. He affirmed his intention to become an assistant coach to support Canada from the sidelines at the 2026 World Cup, and extended his thanks to everyone who had inquired about his condition.
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Canada defender Ismael Kone is wheeled onto the field before the Canada vs. Switzerland match in the final round of World Cup 2026 Group B at Vancouver, Canada, on 24/6. Photo: AP
The player, born in 2002, also made an appearance on the field for Canada's 1-2 loss to Switzerland in the final match of World Cup 2026 Group B on 24/6. Before kickoff, Kone, seated in a wheelchair, received a significant ovation from fans in the stadium.
Despite the emotional setback, Canada continued its World Cup campaign. The 1-2 defeat meant the co-hosts lost the top spot in the group to Switzerland. Nevertheless, they achieved their primary goal of advancing to the knockout round, finishing second in the group. Canada is scheduled to face the Group A runner-up in the round of 16 in Los Angeles on 28/6.
This five-match ban, while significant, is not the most severe penalty FIFA has issued at a World Cup. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez received a nine-match ban and was prohibited from all football activities for four months for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. At the 1994 World Cup, Italy defender Mauro Tassotti was also suspended for eight matches for elbowing Spain forward Luis Enrique.
Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Abola)
