Qatar's Assim Madibo Gets 5-Match Ban For Breaking Canada's Ismaël Koné's Leg - Local News

Qatar’s Assim Madibo received a five-match ban after breaking Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné’s leg in World Cup action, a ruling FIFA framed as serious foul play. Madibo was shown a straight red card during Canada’s 6-0 win over Qatar in Vancouver last Thursday, and FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined the tackle warranted the suspension. The decision is appealable, according to the FIFA body. Koné was taken off on a stretcher and later underwent surgery for a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg after being tackled from behind in the 51st minute. After the match, Koné posted that he was grateful for messages of support. Canada’s Qatar team did not immediately comment to The Associated Press. FIFA bans have previously been more severe, including Luis Suárez’s nine-game suspension for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.