According to stunning reports, North Korea has banned the broadcast of three countries’ World Cup matches due to political adversaries.
North Korea have tense relationship with United States of America and its political allies Japan and South Korea.
North Korean networks will reportedly not broadcast any matches involving South Korea, Japan, or the United States during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, according to KBS World TV (via Sports Bible).
FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week stated his willingness to host a World Cup in North Korea as he believes it could bring ‘real change’. Addressing the controversy surrounding Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup, he claimed that football could be used to “unite the world.” He said (via Daily Mail):
“FIFA is a global football organisation. We are football people, not politicians, and we want to bring people together.”
“Any country can host an event. If North Korea wants to host something […].”
“I actually went to North Korea some years ago to ask the North Koreans if they were ready to host part of a Women’s World Cup with South Korea.
“Well, I was not successful, obviously, but I would go another 100 times if it would help. Only engagement can bring real change. We’re a global organisation and want to remain an organisation that unites the world.”