Assim Madibo ban: FIFA gives Qatar player five-match suspension after Ismaël Koné injury

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has banned Qatar player Assim Madibo for five matches for serious foul play after a tackle from behind broke Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné’s tibia and fibula during a World Cup match in Vancouver. The decision is subject to appeal. Madibo apologised to Koné after the game.

Qatar player Assim Madibo received a five-match suspension on Wednesday after a World Cup tackle injured Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné. FIFA said the punishment related to "serious foul play\" and could be appealed. The incident happened in Vancouver during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar last Thursday. Madibo was shown a straight red card.

Koné’s injury cast a shadow over what became Canada’s first World Cup victory. Koné was taken away on a stretcher after the challenge. Koné later had surgery for a broken tibia and fibula in the left leg. Players nearby reacted quickly, fearing a major injury as Koné held the leg.

Assim Madibo ban and FIFA disciplinary committee decision

FIFA’s disciplinary committee explained that the five-match ban was imposed for \"serious foul play\". FIFA added that the ruling remained open to appeal. The red card came from a tackle made from behind in the 51st minute. Madibo appeared distressed during the aftermath and later offered an in-person apology to Koné after the match.

Ismaël Koné injury update and Instagram post

After the match, Koné posted an update on Instagram and thanked supporters. \"You cant even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers,\" Koné wrote. The message came after Koné underwent surgery on the broken tibia and fibula. Koné had been lying on the turf, covering the mouth.

FIFA World Cup bans compared with Assim Madibo ban

FIFA’s decision was not the longest suspension issued at a World Cup. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Uruguay striker Luis Suarez received a nine-match ban. Luis Suarez was also barred from all football activity for four months. In 1994, Italy defender Mauro Tassotti got eight games for an elbow on Spain forward Luis Enrique.

The Qatar national team did not immediately answer a request for comment from The Associated Press. FIFA’s ruling left open the option for an appeal by Madibo. Canada’s 6-0 win remains recorded as a landmark result. However, the match is also remembered for Koné’s serious leg injury and subsequent surgery.

With inputs from PTI