Qatar's Mahdoub Suspended for Five Matches After Serious Injury to Canadian Player

by Park Heewon Posted : June 25, 2026, 10:28Updated : June 25, 2026, 10:28
Qatar's Mahdoub fouls Canada's Kone during the match. Photo: Reuters Yonhap
Qatar's Mahdoub (right) fouls Canada's Kone. [Photo: Reuters Yonhap]
Qatar midfielder Asim Mahdoub has been suspended for five matches after causing a serious injury to an opposing player during the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup.

On June 25, FIFA announced the suspension, which Mahdoub has the right to appeal.

The incident occurred on June 19 during a group stage match against Canada at BC Place in Vancouver, where Mahdoub received a red card for a dangerous tackle on Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone in the 53rd minute.

Kone suffered a severe fracture to his left leg and was taken off the field on a stretcher before undergoing surgery. As a result of the injury, Kone will miss the remainder of the tournament.

After the incident, Mahdoub was seen holding his head in distress upon realizing the extent of Kone's injury and later visited the hospital to apologize in person.

Despite his remorse, FIFA decided to impose a disciplinary action. Mahdoub also missed Qatar's final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 25, where Qatar lost 1-3, finishing last in Group B with one draw and two losses, thus eliminating them from the tournament.

The suspension will also apply to future international matches for the Qatar national team following the World Cup.



* This article has been translated by AI.