FIFA bans Qatar midfielder Madibo for five matches

A Qatar midfielder has been suspended for five matches following a tackle that broke the leg of a Canadian player during a World Cup group stage match last week. FIFA's disciplinary committee handed down the ban to Assim Madibo on Wednesday for serious foul play in Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver.

The incident occurred in the 51st minute when Madibo tackled Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone from behind. Kone immediately fell to the ground, clutching his leg, and was taken off the pitch on a stretcher. He later underwent surgery to repair broken tibia and fibula bones in his left leg, an injury that has ended his World Cup campaign.

The suspension rules Madibo out of Qatar's remaining tournament matches. The decision is subject to appeal by the player or the Qatar Football Association.

The tackle overshadowed what was a historic first World Cup victory for Canada, which has since qualified for the knockout stage for the first time. Despite the severity of the injury, Kone waved to the supportive crowd as he was wheeled off the field. His replacement, Nathan Saliba, later scored and celebrated by holding up Kone's jersey.

Madibo was visibly distressed by the incident,...