The Bohemian FC, a football club based in Ireland, has unveiled a unique jersey in collaboration with electronic music group Massive Attack for the upcoming FAI Cup 2026. A notable 30% of the proceeds from this jersey will be directed towards medical aid organizations that support Cuba.
In a recent Instagram post, the club announced that the funds will benefit the Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal, part of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and mediCuba-Europe. These organizations are known for dispatching essential medicines, surgical equipment, and hospital supplies to Cuba.
Produced by O'Neills, the jersey draws inspiration from historic Cuban soccer uniforms and highlights the deep-rooted connections between Ireland and Cuba, notably featuring references to Che Guevara, whose paternal lineage traces back to Ireland.
The design includes vertical stripes in olive and black, complemented by a red block across the chest adorned with a white star from the Cuban flag, and prominently displays the Massive Attack logo.
One of the jersey's hems features the iconic image of Che Guevara, illustrated by Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick. The inner neck tape is imprinted with the phrase "Love is a doing word," a line from the British band Massive Attack's song "Teardrop."
Moreover, the back of the neck carries a quote from Che’s father, Ernesto Guevara Lynch: "In my son's veins flowed the blood of Irish rebels," underscoring Che's Irish heritage.
The garment also integrates excerpts from Che Guevara's 1965 anti-imperialist speech at the Afro-Asian Solidarity Conference in Algiers, a speech considered one of his most radical.
The Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal collaborates with Cuba's health workers' union and the regime's Ministry of Health. As of the jersey's release, it had completed six shipments of medical supplies to the island, which is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis marked by a chronic shortage of medicines.
This initiative continues the Bohemian FC's tradition of activism, highlighting the Cuban regime's propaganda reach within international leftist circles.
Since 2020, Bohemian FC has transformed its jerseys into symbols of social protest: in collaboration with Amnesty International in 2020, they launched a jersey under the slogan "Refugees Welcome"; in 2021, they partnered with the band Fontaines D.C. to support homelessness causes; in 2023, they allocated 30% of a jersey's proceeds to medical aid for Palestine; and in 2024, they teamed up with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
However, this move can be seen as romanticizing a repressive regime that exploits international aid.
According to Sport for Business, these cause-driven jersey campaigns have generated over a million euros for the club and its partner organizations in just three years.
The jersey, which serves as Bohemian FC's third kit for the 2026 season, comes at a time when Cuba is facing one of its worst public health crises. With hospitals lacking basic supplies, the Cuban population increasingly relies on international aid to access essential medications, while the regime's elite remains entrenched in their privileges without seeking viable solutions.
Understanding Bohemian FC's Support for Cuban Medical Aid
What is the purpose of Bohemian FC's new jersey initiative?
Bohemian FC's new jersey initiative aims to raise funds for medical aid organizations that support Cuba by donating 30% of the proceeds from jersey sales.
Which organizations will benefit from the jersey sales?
The funds raised from the jersey sales will benefit the Cuba Vive Medical Aid Appeal and mediCuba-Europe, both of which provide essential medical supplies to Cuba.
How does this initiative fit into Bohemian FC's tradition?
This initiative aligns with Bohemian FC's history of using their jerseys as platforms for social activism, supporting various causes over the past few years.