St Pauli, of German football's second tier, were forced to think on their feet when manager Ewald Lienen was unable to attend the unveiling of new signing Marvin Ducksch.
The side, who finished fourth in last season's competition and just outside of a qualification playoff spot, felt it appropriate to instead use a man in a mask impersonating Lienen when announcing the signing of the Swede.
In case you were wondering where Ewald was .. pic.twitter.com/fMf6dsDLFV
— FC St. Pauli English (@fcstpauli_EN) June 15, 2016
The gaffe was quickly spotted on social media after club officials gave the "man in the mask" idea the green light, with Lienen having already missed the unveiling press conference.
"With Marvin we get an attacker who has good technique and a very good end product," the real Lienen said in a statement regarding the signing.
"In spite of his size Marvin is a very nimble and agile player."
The 22-year-old former Borussia Dortmund striker added: "I'm looking forward to the assignment at FC St. Pauli and playing in front of really big crowds again!.
"I've kept tabs on a lot of St. Pauli matches and the supporters always get behind the team."
A short time later the club acknowledged the move trick, claiming it to be a once-off.
A one-off! #ewaldmaske #fcsp #ducksch pic.twitter.com/NA0AS1TrCY
— FC St. Pauli English (@fcstpauli_EN) June 15, 2016
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