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.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 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."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.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

Heat records were broken when temperatures soared across southern England on Wednesday afternoon.

Im letzten Spiel der Gruppe C trifft Marokko auf das bereits ausgeschiedene Haiti. Der Underdog lsst sich jedoch nicht hngen - und trifft frh per Hacke. Ein herber Dmpfer fr Marokko im Fernduell um den Gruppensieg mit Brasilien.[mehr]

FINAL: Sacramento (0-2/42-32) 1 vs. Las Vegas (2-0/46-29)RIVER CATS NOTESThe Sacramento River Cats lost today's game, 1-5, losing back-to-back... - PCL Sacramento River Cats

Didier Deschamps, rentr en France aprs le dcs de sa mre, ne sera pas sur le banc des Bleus vendredi lors du match face la Norvge. C'est son adjoint historique Guy Stphan qui assurera l'intrim. Les deux hommes vont se repartir les tches l'approche de cette "finale" pour la premire place du groupe I.

A 'speechless' Liam Paro is named a historic new welterweight champion by unanimous decision, after beating Lewis Crocker in Brisbane.

Mexico has clinched its spot in the World Cup knockout rounds after two wins over South Africa and South Korea. Now that the final Group A game against Czechia has a bit less pressure, the question is whether legendary keeper Guillermo Ochoa will make an appearance for El Tri. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre could count on the 40-year-old Ochoa to start in Tuesday's game in what likely will be a heavily rotated side. Ochoa has already made history as being the first goalkeeper to participate in six World Cup editions and joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only three men's players to take part in that many tournaments. An unused substitute in 2006 and 2010, Ochoa played in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Aguirre in his third stint as Mexico's manager has yet to confirm if Ochoa will play, but knocked back on opinion that he called up Ochoa for sentimental reasons. "I have always said since I returned that whoever is here, is here ontheirown merit," Aguirre said. Affectionately known as "San Memo," Ochoa is one of the most decorated players in the history of Mexican soccer. He was recalled to the national teamafter an injury to presumptive starter Luis Malagn. Ochoa currently plays for AEL Limassol in Cyprus, his latest stint at a European club that has seen him play in Spain, France and Italy. He has also played for Club Amrica in Liga MX. For Mexico, he has won six CONCACAF Gold Cups and helped the Olympic team win bronze in 2004 and 2021.

The Rams' QB isn't ruling out playing into his 40's

Maple Leafs-Sabres Matthew Knies trade rumor could shake up NHL with blockbuster deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to look for a way to trade Matthew Knies.The Buffalo Sabres just vacated a spot on the wing by sending Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade to the Washington Capitals.Could they be a match?At least one new rumor on Wednesday night thinks that to be the case.MORE:It's time to ask a serious Matthew Knies questionMatthew Knies trade rumorThis is what NHL writer Marco D'Amico posted on X:Word of discussions with Buffalo and the 4th overall pick.San Jose also said to be of interest here as well.Montreal remains interested, but hard to compete with the above teams. https://t.co/OAwk8WMzg1 Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) June 24, 2026The Sabres just acquired the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft on Tuesday night by trading Bowen Byram to the Chicago Blackhawks.It would make at least some sense for Buffalo to immediately turn around and trade that selection for someone more ready to contribute now.Knies, a talented 23-year old winger, isn't going to diminish anytime soon. It's just a bit of an acceleration into a player ready for a top-six role, rather than someone still in need of some seasoning.It'd certainly look like a win for Buffalo, and the Maple Leafs would have to do well with the new top-five pick to make it work out for them.Gavin McKenna is still the favorite to go to the Leafs with the first overall pick. What happens after that could determine the short- and long-term future in Toronto.More NHL news:Jack Eichel turned into Ben SimmonsFrederik Andersen heading toward an unceremonious exitCale Makar is about to become a lot more expensiveSabres have reached the Alex Tuch pivot pointSidney Crosby trade plans did a 180 for the Penguins

The Division I Football Oversight Committee is proposing changes to the offseason and preseason practice schedules, and a shorter transfer portal window, which could go into effect for the 2027 season.