Qatar's Madibo Receives Five-Game Ban for Causing Kone Leg Break

Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has received a five‑match ban for the challenge that caused Canada’s Ismael Kone to break his leg during the World Cup.

Madibo, 29, was sent off in Qatar’s 6‑0 defeat last Thursday after a foul that left Kone with fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his lower left leg.

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has imposed a five‑match suspension for serious foul play, a decision that can be appealed.

As a result, the former Watford midfielder will miss the remainder of the tournament. Kone, who now plays for Italian side Sassuolo, underwent surgery shortly after the match in Vancouver and was visited in hospital by Madibo.

Canada lost 2‑1 to Switzerland in their final group match last night but still qualified for the last 32 as the group runner‑up.

Qatar, meanwhile, lost 3‑1 to Bosnia‑Herzegovina, finishing at the bottom of Group B with just one point.