New York Cosmos to play match against Cuba national team in Havana

North American Soccer League side New York Cosmos have announced that they will take part in a match against the Cuba national team in Havana on June 2 this year, making them the first American team to play on the island since 1978.

The move comes three months after US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro vowed to restore diplomatic ties severed 54 years ago.

Club chairman Seamus O'Brien told a press conference on Monday: "We are thrilled that the New York Cosmos are the first US pro team to have been invited by Cuba in almost two decades.

"Sport brings people together, builds bridges between nations and unites us as one people. We can't wait to take the field in what will be a historic match."

The Cosmos and the NASL reformed in 2013 after the league was cancelled in 1984.