Gary Lineker slams 'nonsense and absurd' FIFA decision after World Cup incident

Gary Lineker criticized FIFA’s decision after a World Cup incident involving Qatar star Assim Madibo. FIFA issued Madibo a five-match ban for a tackle on Canada’s Ismael Kone, which came from behind and resulted in Kone suffering a broken tibia and fibula in his left leg. The match ended 6-0 in Canada’s favor, and Kone underwent surgery immediately afterward. FIFA later extended the sanction to five matches, describing it as punishment under article 14.1.e for serious foul play in the FIFA Disciplinary Code. Lineker called the penalty “nonsense” and “absurd,” arguing it should not have been a red card. Canada’s social media later said Kone’s surgery was successful and he is expected to miss the remainder of FIFA World Cup 2026. The article compares the case to a prior Luis Suárez ban after biting Giorgo Chiellini in 2014.