Baker's victory bonus may be pie in the sky

A mooncake company has promised Hong Kong's footballers a $500,000 bonus if they can pull off a 'miracle' and beat Real Madrid next week.

Taipan Snowy Mooncake is the main sponsor of the Hong Kong-China XI which will tackle the Spanish champions, agreeing on an undisclosed six-figure deal with the Football Association.

Taipan Snowy Mooncake's general manager, Johnny Tang, would not reveal the exact figure his company was paying for the sponsorship contract. But in a separate bonus scheme, his bakery - one of the city's largest - had also promised the team $500,000 if they won.

A draw against the likes of David Beckham, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane will earn Hong Kong $250,000, while each goal scored by the home side will be worth $100,000, according to Mr Tang.

Hong Kong coach Lai Sun-cheung said: 'I'd like to urge Mr Tang to give our players one year's free supply of bread so they can boost their carbohydrate levels. And please don't forget my share either.'

Mr Tang said they would use the sponsorship deal as part of their promotions for the mid-autumn festival, when mooncakes are traditionally enjoyed.