FA Cup final: Referee Akil Howson makes history as first black official

History will be made at Wembley Stadium next month as Akil Howson becomes the first Black official to feature in an FA Cup Final.

Howson, 35, has been appointed as an assistant referee for the highly anticipated clash between Chelsea FC and Manchester City on 16 May. His selection marks a major milestone in English football, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve diversity within officiating.

A member of the Premier League’s Select Group 1 for the past three seasons, Howson has steadily risen through the refereeing ranks and is widely regarded as one of the game’s most consistent assistants.

His appointment to the showpiece event signals growing recognition of his ability on the biggest stage.

According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the match will be officiated by Darren England, who takes charge of an FA Cup final for the first time. He will be supported by assistant Tim Wood and fourth official Sam Barrott, while Peter Bankes will oversee video assistant referee (VAR) duties alongside Nick Hopton.

Howson’s inclusion comes amid a broader push by Professional Game Match Officials Limited to create a more inclusive refereeing pathway.

In recent seasons, officials such as Farai Hallam, Ruebyn Ricardo, and Sam Allison have progressed into the top tiers of the men’s game, highlighting gradual but important change within the profession.

For England, the appointment represents a significant moment in his career. After facing scrutiny following a high-profile VAR error involving Luis Díaz during a Premier League match between Tottenham and Liverpool in 2023, he has worked his way back into top-level officiating and now earns the opportunity to lead one of the most prestigious fixtures in English football.

As anticipation builds for the final, Howson’s historic role stands out as a landmark moment, one that not only reflects progress within the game but also sets a powerful example for future generations of referees.