FIFA World Cup: Qatar’s Assim Madibo banned for five matches with broken legs

FIFA has handed a five-match ban to Qatar’s Assimo Madiba after a dangerous tackle that left Canada’s Ismael Kone seriously injured in a World Cup match. (Photo/AP) FIFA has cracked the whip on serious foul play. Qatari midfielder Assim Madibo was handed a heavy five-match ban by soccer’s global governing body on Wednesday after a horrific tackle that broke Canada midfielder Ismael Kone’s leg during a World Cup group game.The 28-year-old Qatar international was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge during Canada’s convincing 6-0 win over Qatar at BC Place last Thursday. FIFA’s disciplinary committee confirmed the lengthy ban was for a serious foul, adding that the decision could still be appealed.A tragic turn of eventsWhat should have been a historic celebration for Canada as they claimed their first ever World Cup victory was completely overshadowed by Koné’s nagging injury. The AC Milan midfielder was tackled from behind in the 51st minute and his left leg collapsed under the challenge.Players on both sides immediately signaled to medical staff in a panic as Koné lay writhing on the turf, covering his mouth in agony. The young midfielder was taken away on a stretcher and subsequently underwent emergency surgery to repair fractures in both the tibia and fibula of his left leg.A visibly upset Madibo, who immediately realized the severity of the damage, went to personally apologize to Koné after the final whistle. The Canadian star later thanked fans on Instagram, writing: “You have no idea how grateful I am to everyone who has reached out to me and who has me in their prayers.”Strict precedentsWhile a five-match ban is rare in modern tournament history, it is not the most severe sanction imposed by FIFA. The all-time record remains Uruguay striker Luis Suárez, who received a massive nine-match ban and four-month football ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at Brazil 2014. Before that, Italy defender Mauro Tassotti was banned for eight matches in 1994 for elbowing Spain striker Luis Enrique’s nose.The Qatar Football Association has yet to issue an official comment on the decision, while Canada faces the grim reality that it will spend the rest of its dream home World Cup campaign without its star backup engine.