Akil Howson FA Cup Final Appointment at Wembley 2026
Akil Howson will take charge as an assistant referee at the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City on 16 May at Wembley Stadium. This appointment places him in one of the biggest matches in English football.
He will be part of the officiating team alongside referee Darren England, second assistant Tim Wood, and fourth official Sam Barrott. The video assistant referee role will be handled by Peter Bankes with assistance from Nick Hopton.
First Black FA Cup Final Official in English Football History
Akil Howson will be the first black official to take part in an FA Cup final, a major moment in the long history of the competition. His role as assistant referee puts him on the pitch for a match watched by millions around the world.
He has been part of the Premier League Select Group 1 for the last three seasons, working regularly at the highest level of English football. His appointment reflects years of consistent performance and development within the officiating system.
Akil Howson Refereeing Journey in Premier League Select Group 1
Howson, who represents the Leicestershire and Rutland Football Association, has steadily climbed through the refereeing ranks. He was promoted to Select Group 1 ahead of the 2023 to 2024 season, which is the top level for match officials in England.
Since then, he has officiated in major domestic matches, gaining experience in high pressure environments. His selection for the FA Cup final is seen as a recognition of his ability to handle top level football.
FA Cup Final Officiating Team and Match Details
The 2026 FA Cup final will be played between Chelsea and Manchester City, two of the strongest clubs in English football. The match will take place at Wembley Stadium, the traditional home of the competition’s final.
Darren England will lead the officiating team as referee. This will be his first time taking charge of the FA Cup final, although he has previous experience as fourth official and assistant referee in earlier finals.
Diversity Progress in English Football Refereeing Pathway
The Professional Game Match Officials body has been working to increase diversity within refereeing. Several officials from different backgrounds are now active in the top two divisions of the men’s game.
Officials such as Farai Hallam, Ruebyn Ricardo, and Sam Allison are already working at high levels. In addition, Paul Howard has advanced through specialist training to become a regular VAR official in the Premier League.
Growth of Opportunities for Elite Match Officials in England
The referee selection for major matches often reflects years of training, performance review, and experience across competitions. Howson’s inclusion in the FA Cup final highlights how structured development pathways can support long term progress.
At the same time, the match also carries personal significance for referee Darren England, who returns to a major final after being involved in a high profile VAR incident in 2023.
Together, the officiating team represents one of the most experienced groups selected for a domestic final in recent seasons.
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