The absurdity of Madibo's 5-match suspension

Increased error

Assim Madibo's foul in the Qatar - Canada match that caused Ismael Kone to break his leg only caused great controversy after FIFA announced a 5-match suspension. Serious consequences, but many people believe that it was a late tackle, not an intentional act of demolition.

Initially, referee Cristian Garay only showed a yellow card, then switched to a red card. Madibo did not react, appearing depressed when realizing the seriousness of the incident.

But that was only the first time the penalty for Madibo was increased. FIFA announced that he would be banned from playing for 5 matches, up from the initial penalty of 1 match. The announcement stated that this decision was "due to violating Article 14.1.e (serious conduct violation) of FIFA's Disciplinary Code".

Madibo has worn the Qatar national team jersey 64 times and has never been sent off, which excludes the possibility that past behavior is a factor constituting a penalty. While most sympathy is for Kone, one cannot help but feel quite sorry for Madibo.

Unreasonable?

Because this is like an incredible overreaction from FIFA. It can only be concluded that the severity of the penalty is largely based on the severity of the injury, not on the danger or intention of the tackle. Even coach Jesse Marsch admitted that he did not think Madibo "intentionally caused such a gruesome situation...".

After the match, Madibo went to the Canadian dressing room to apologize, and then also went to the hospital to visit Kone. The two players hugged each other, to see that there was no major animosity here. It must be admitted that FIFA cannot make disciplinary decisions based on emotions, but this indicates that, even from the perspective of the victims, they also accept that Madibo did not intend to hurt Kone.

Football law stipulates that a challenge is considered a "serious foul" if it "excessively uses force or violence against the opponent". You can argue that if a challenge is strong enough to break someone's leg, then by definition, that force is excessive. Even so, a red card is appropriate, and FIFA's law stipulates that "serious foul" deserves a suspension of at least 2 matches. If you want to send a message, this type of behavior will not be tolerated, you can add 1 more match of suspension.

But banned for 5 matches? That's quite unreasonable. There are tackles that look even more reckless. This gives the feeling that FIFA takes a player with average reputation, who they know will no longer be an influential factor in the rest of the tournament, to set an example.

It seems particularly unfair considering FIFA's... flexibility when it comes to suspension periods at this World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo should have missed 2 group stage matches after receiving a red card in the match against Ireland last year, while both Nicolas Otamendi and Moises Caicedo were sent off in the last match of the qualifiers, but both were cleared from a 1-match ban.

According to FIFA, it is "to ensure that all teams can compete with the strongest possible squad at the World Cup". But Madibo's case is not considered.