An international team is playing on the side of the angels by refusing to swear or foul opponents.

The saintly squad, who believe their tactics infuriate rival teams, have the backing of a most famous supporter - the Pope.

The Vatican national team, nicknamed The Sistines, is made up of players who spend their days working in Rome's walled city. But by night, the God squad is a force to be reckoned with.

Coach Saverin Di Pofi said: "Some of these players spend most of their days hanging way off the ground restoring the Basilica's Dome.

Father Salim Del Cristo Tobias. Radio presenter by day, ace striker by night

"But when they're on the football pitch they are full of enthusiasm."

The players are drawn from the 16 teams who play in the Vatican's five-a-side league.

One of the best players in the league is Father Salim Del Cristo Tobias, who is also a presenter on Vatican Radio.

He said: "I do it partly for fun because I want to be involved in sport and as a means of getting rid of the day's strains."

Matches in the Vatican's fixture league include The Swiss Guards vs the Switchboard Operators and St Peter's Basilica vs The Vatican Fire Brigade.

Although the sides do not have anywhere near the number of supporters that the Pope, who is a former goalkeeper, commands he has expressed a keen interest in the league.

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