FIFA's disciplinary committee has handed Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo a five-match suspension following the challenge that left Canada's Ismael Kone with a broken leg during their World Cup group stage encounter.
The governing body determined that Madibo was guilty of serious foul play after his tackle from behind on Kone during last Thursday's match in Vancouver.
Both Qatar and the player retain the right to challenge the ruling.
The punishment ranks among the most severe sanctions ever issued by FIFA at a World Cup, though it falls short of the nine-match ban given to Luis Suarez for biting Giorgio Chiellini in 2014.
Ismael Kone broke his leg in the opening game for Canada at the World Cup
|REUTERS
The incident occurred in the 51st minute of Canada's emphatic 6-0 triumph, with Madibo catching Kone from behind as the midfielder went down clutching his leg in visible agony.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch was visibly shaken after witnessing the collision unfold directly in front of his technical area.
"It happened right in front of the bench, we could all hear it," Marsch said. "I knew right away, it was similar to when Tajon [Buchanan] got hurt in training, it was right in front of us and everyone could hear the bone snap."
Kone sustained fractures to both his tibia and fibula in his left leg, requiring immediate surgery.
The challenge from Assim Madibo saw Ismael Kone sustained fractures to both his tibia and fibula in his left leg
|REUTERS
The Qatari midfielder was clearly distressed by the severity of the injury and made efforts to make amends before leaving the city.
Madibo entered the Canadian dressing room after the final whistle to personally apologise to Kone before the injured player was transported to hospital.
"I don't think he meant such a gruesome situation," Marsch acknowledged. "I don't fault him for that."
Rather than joining his teammates for their journey to Seattle ahead of the Bosnia fixture, Madibo remained in Vancouver to spend time with Kone at the hospital.
Qatar manager Julen Lopetegui confirmed his player had been deeply affected by the incident, stating: "Never was it his intention."
Qatar star Assim Madibo has been handed a five-match ban
|REUTERS
The suspension took effect with Qatar's 3-1 loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday evening, a result that severely damaged their hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Should Qatar fail to advance deep into the tournament, the remaining matches of Madibo's ban would carry over beyond the World Cup.
Kone, who plays his club football for Sassuolo, underwent successful surgery to repair the fractures and is expected to make a complete recovery, though he will miss the remainder of the tournament and the opening months of next season.
The 24-year-old was wheeled onto the pitch in a wheelchair before Canada's final group match against Switzerland, receiving a standing ovation from supporters at BC Place.
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