FIFA hands heavy ban to player who broke Canadian defender's leg

FIFA has suspended Assim Madibo, the Qatari midfielder whose tackle broke Ismael Kone's leg during the 2026 World Cup group stage, for five matches.

In an announcement on June 24, FIFA stated that the suspension applies to official matches of the Qatar national team, as Madibo's action fell under "serious foul play" according to the organization's Disciplinary Code. FIFA also confirmed that the Qatari player has the right to appeal to the Appeal Committee.

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Assim Madibo (white shirt) tackles, causing Ismael Kone's serious injury in the match where Qatar lost 0-6 to Canada in the second round of Group B at the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver, British Columbia province on June 18. Photo: Reuters

This suspension is not the harshest penalty ever handed down by FIFA at a World Cup. At the 2014 tournament in Brazil, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez was suspended for nine matches and banned from all football-related activities for four months for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. In 1994, Italian defender Mauro Tassotti was suspended for eight matches for elbowing Spanish forward Luis Enrique.

At BC Place in Vancouver on June 18, Madibo stamped on Kone's shin, sending the Canadian player to the ground. Upon seeing signs of a broken leg, Kone appeared to be in shock.

Madibo was initially shown a yellow card, but after a VAR review, the referee upgraded it to a straight red card for a dangerous tackle. Kone had to leave the pitch on a stretcher before being rushed to a hospital in Vancouver.

Kone was brought onto the pitch in a wheelchair before the Canada - Switzerland match in the final round of Group B at the 2026 World Cup at Vancouver Stadium, Canada on June 24, 2026. Photo: AP

Following his surgery, Kone posted a lengthy message on social media, expressing his religious faith, gratitude to his supporters, and readiness to face any challenge. He confirmed he would become an assistant coach to stand on the sidelines and support Canada at the 2026 World Cup.

The player, born in 2002, later reappeared on the pitch during Canada's 1-2 loss to Switzerland in the final round of Group B on June 24. Before kickoff, Kone sat in a wheelchair and received a standing ovation from the fans in the stadium.

The 1-2 defeat cost the co-hosts the top spot to Switzerland. However, they still achieved their main goal of securing a spot in the knockout stage as runners-up. Canada will face the runner-up of Group A in the round of 16 at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28.

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