Akil Howson is set to make history as the first black official to feature in an FA Cup final when Chelsea faces Manchester City at Wembley on 16 May. The 35-year-old assistant referee will be part of a significant milestone in English football, as his inclusion reflects ongoing efforts to diversify the officiating pathway. This year's final will be a landmark occasion for Howson, who has made significant strides in his career, being part of the Premier League's elite Select Group 1 for the past three seasons.
Howson’s Historic Role in the FA Cup Final
Howson's appointment to the FA Cup final is a momentous achievement, marking him as the first black official to officiate in the prestigious match. Hailing from the Leicestershire & Rutland Football Association, Howson has worked his way through the ranks, earning his place in the Premier League's Select Group 1. His inclusion in the final, alongside other prominent officials, signifies a breakthrough moment in the sport, especially given the ongoing efforts to ensure diversity within refereeing.
In addition to Howson, the match will see Darren England officiate as the referee for the first time at an FA Cup final, after previously being the fourth official in the 2025 final. Tim Wood has been named as the second assistant referee, while Sam Barrott will act as the fourth official. Video assistant referee (VAR) duties will be overseen by Peter Bankes, with Nick Hopton assisting him in the crucial role. Together, these officials will manage what is expected to be an intense and high-stakes final between two of England’s top football clubs.
Progress in Diversifying the Refereeing Pathway
The inclusion of officials like Howson is part of a broader effort by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMO) to diversify the refereeing pathway in football. This initiative is creating more opportunities for underrepresented groups in the sport, with Howson’s rise to prominence serving as an inspiring example. Over the years, PGMO has made strides toward inclusion, with officials like Farai Hallam, Ruebyn Ricardo, and Sam Allison now officiating in the top two divisions of men’s football.
Additionally, Paul Howard has made significant progress through an enhanced training programme, taking on the critical role of a VAR official in the Premier League. These efforts not only showcase the increasing diversity within English football’s officiating ranks but also emphasize the importance of fostering talent from all backgrounds.
Darren England's Redemption and Career Milestone
For referee Darren England, the FA Cup final represents a significant milestone in his career, especially following the controversy surrounding his decision-making during a Premier League match between Tottenham and Liverpool in September 2023. Acting as the VAR for the game, England mistakenly disallowed a Luis Diaz goal for offside, a decision that sparked widespread criticism. Following this error, England took a brief hiatus from officiating Premier League matches, but he has since worked his way back into top-flight duty.
England’s appointment to referee the FA Cup final is a major step in his professional rehabilitation, highlighting his ability to bounce back from setbacks. The 40-year-old Sheffield & Hallamshire official, who was added to FIFA’s international referee list in 2022, now has the chance to officiate the biggest game in English football, marking a personal and professional victory after a challenging period.
As the FA Cup final approaches, the inclusion of Akil Howson and Darren England in key officiating roles reflects both personal triumphs and broader changes in the sport. Howson’s historic appointment is a beacon of progress for diversity in football, while England’s return to officiating the final after overcoming adversity is a testament to resilience and professionalism. Together, these developments underscore the ongoing evolution of football officiating in England, paving the way for a more inclusive future in the sport.
