New York Cosmos to Play in Cuba as Part of 'Football Diplomacy'

New York Cosmos to Play in Cuba as Part of 'Football Diplomacy'

Brazilian legend Pele is to join the glamorous New York soccer team's traveling party as United States and Cuba continue to break ice.

Reported by: Agence France-Presse
Last updated on Monday, 01 June, 2015 12:06 IST

New York: The New York Cosmos will kick off a new era in sporting relations between the United States and Cuba on Tuesday when they become the first American sports team in 16 years to play in the Communist-ruled island.

Brazilian legend Pele is to join the glamorous New York soccer team's traveling party for Tuesday's exhibition match against the Cuban national team at the Pedro Marrero Stadium in Havana.

The fixture reflects the rapidly thawing ties between the United States and Cuba following moves to normalize relations between the former Cold War foes after a bitter five-decade schism.

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Cuban officials announced last week that the Baltimore Orioles -- the last professional US team to play in Cuba back in 1999 -- would return later this year to play against the Cuban national team.

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