SEOUL - NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il, at the centre of speculation over rumours of poor health, attended a football game, the communist state's official news agency reported on Saturday.

The Korean Central News Agency report said he watched a student football match on the 62nd anniversary of Kim Il-Sung University.

Mr Kim, 66, failed to appear at a September 9 anniversary parade, triggering speculation about his health. South Korean officials said he underwent brain surgery following a stroke but was recovering well.

'There was the football match between teams of Kim Il Sung University and Pyongyang University of Railways that day, at which the former beat the latter 4-1,' KCNA said.

The report did not make clear on which day the match took place. -- AFP