Kim Jong-un has prohibited the broadcasting of Tottenham Hotspur matches in North Korea due to the team's captain, South Korean player Son Heung-min.
The ban extends to all Premier League games featuring South Korean players, which also affects Manchester United's match against Tottenham scheduled for Monday morning (AEDT).
A report indicates that North Korean coverage of the Premier League last year excluded Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford because of their South Korean players, Hwang Hee-chan and Kim Ji-soo, respectively.
In North Korea, match broadcasts are typically shortened from 90 minutes to 60 and are aired before news bulletins, often several months after the actual games have taken place.
Despite Tottenham's struggles this season, with the team currently ranked 14th in the league, some fans have expressed relief that North Koreans will not have to endure watching their games.
The findings are part of a report by the independent US think tank Stimson Center, which highlights that while North Korean state TV is filled with propaganda, sports broadcasts provide a rare moment of non-political content.
In 2022, North Korean television featured coverage of various international football leagues, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A. However, in the following year, KCTV focused on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and World Cup.
Historically, English football has garnered interest from other authoritarian leaders, with late Cuban leader Fidel Castro being an Arsenal supporter and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe backing Chelsea.
The media attention diverted from Ange Postecoglou's precarious position as Tottenham's manager may be a welcome distraction for the club, which has faced significant criticism from fans amid poor performance this season.
Fans have increasingly called for the resignation of Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, with plans for a mass protest during the upcoming match against Manchester United, as the club has not secured a major trophy since 2008.
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