Bohemian FC's 'Refugees Welcome' jersey goes global in FIFA 21

Bohemian FC's best-selling 'Refugees Welcome' away-game jersey has been launched in EA's updated FIFA 21, in partnership with Amnesty International.

Amnesty International Ireland launched its partnership with Bohemian FC earlier this year. The jersey, which features the image of a family fleeing, went on to become the club's best-seller, with people ordering it from over 40 countries around the world.

Now, Amnesty International branches around the world are joining in to support the jersey’s launch in EA’s updated FIFA 21, which is played by more than 45 million people worldwide.

Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland, has called on gamers around the world to embrace the message.

“Gamers and football fans are powerful communities, with a huge reach," O'Gorman says. "The response to the jersey in Ireland was incredible. We’re hoping the gaming community take it global now. In a time when global leaders are demonising refugees, stoking fear and hatred against people fleeing for their lives, it’s up to every community to take responsibility and fight back.

“The tragic drownings in the Mediterranean sea, and recently in the UK channel, show that anti-refugee rhetoric leads to policies that cost people their lives," he adds. "It turns communities against one another, and breaks down our common humanity. So while the ‘Refugees Welcome’ message is straightforward, it is powerful.”

In the game, when you select Bohemian FC as your team, the update to FIFA 2021 includes the option to choose the football club's away-jersey – which features the logos.

“Our ethos has always been that football brings people together, brings communities together, brings nations together," says Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer for Bohemian FC. "Football is a universal language that should always unite and never divide. By playing with Bohemian FC in FIFA 2021 you represent these values; values of equality, inclusion and acceptance.”