FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has handed Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo a five-match ban for the tackle that broke Ismael Kone’s leg during a World Cup group stage match on June 18, 2026. The Canadian midfielder suffered a fractured tibia and fibula, requiring surgery and ending his tournament before it really started.
The decision, announced on June 24, represents a significant escalation from the original one-match sanction Madibo received after being shown a straight red card via VAR during the match in Vancouver. FIFA cited Article 14.1.e of its Disciplinary Code, which covers serious foul play, as the basis for increasing the punishment fourfold.
What happened on the pitch
The incident occurred during Canada’s group stage match against Qatar in Vancouver, a game the hosts won 6-0. Madibo’s challenge on Kone was not initially penalized by the on-field referee but was escalated through the Video Assistant Referee system, which resulted in a straight red card.
Kone was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup, a tournament being played on home soil for Canada.
