A German football club, Bonn SC, has signed the entire Cuban national team.

The director of the fourth division club Gerd Demannsaid he originally wanted to buy four Cuban players but was told he would have to buy the whole squad.

Fifteen players, two coaches, an interpreter, a physiotherapist and a chef will arrive in Germany later this month.

The Germans will provide food and accommodation, medical insurance and what the club described as a little pocket money during the Cubans' eighteen-month stay.

The players still have to obtain visas.

Officials at Bonn SC said they got the idea of buying the Cuban players after watching their games on video-tape.