Sealand, the micronation based on a former military fortress island in the North Sea, have announced that they are to play an international football match. The Sealand Football Association have confirmed they will play an official international tie on Saturday May 5th 2012 against the national team of the Chagos Islands. The match will be played at the home of Godalming Town FC in Godalming, Surrey with a 2:30 pm kick off and has been endorsed as a recognised international fixture by the non-Fifa governing body, the Nouvelle-Federation Board.

“The Principality of Sealand is delighted to announce that our Football Association have arranged an international football match against the Chagos Islands”, said Prince Regent Michael of Sealand. “We wish them every success in their endeavours and look forward to the match. As we say in Sealand, e mare libertas!”

President of the Sealand Football Association Neil Forsyth said "This is a magnificent moment for Sealand. We're putting together a squad that properly reflects Sealand's maverick history and look forward to wearing the Royal Coat of Arms of our adopted country with pride."

President of Chagos Island Football Association Herold Mandarin said" We are very proud to play another international football match, this time against Sealand. It is another chance to put Chagos onto the international stage and tell people about our history and people. I invite all Chagosian and those who support us to come to this event.”

All friends of Sealand are invited to witness this historic occasion. Tickets are priced at £3 and include a match programme and access to the bar after the game to watch the FA Cup Final.