The match at St James’ Park, Exeter, is the return leg of a match between the Devon club and the South American soccer legends played in Rio de Janeiro 90 years ago.

In 1914 Exeter City, who were relegated from the Third Division last year, became the first professional club in the world to play Brazil.

The home clash with the so-called Brazil Masters on May 30 will form the centrepiece of Exeter’s 2004 centenary celebrations.

Exeter City managing director Ian Huxham said: “At the start this idea seemed like a dream.

“Now it is reality and we are incredibly excited about this marvellous occasion.”

Team manager Eamon Dolan added: “The chance to see our club take on Brazil at St James’ Park is absolutely fantastic.

“It is more than a football match, it is an event.”

Mr Huxham also said it was “very much a possibility” that an Exeter team would travel to Rio in July for a match as part of the Brazilian national team’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

Exeter drew 3-3 with Brazil when the teams met at the Laranjeiras Stadium in Rio on July 21, 1914.

The forthcoming Brazil game will not be Exeter City’s first brush with stardom.

In June 2002, 10,000 people turned up to see pop legend Michael Jackson make a brief appearance at a charity event at the club’s ground.

Jackson was invited to attend by psychic spoon-bender Uri Geller, then a joint chairman of the club.