AKIL HOWSON MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST BLACK OFFICIAL IN FA CUP FINAL
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
History will be made at Wembley Stadium next month as Akil Howson becomes the first Black official to take charge of duties in an FA Cup Final.
Howson, 35, has been appointed as an assistant referee for the highly anticipated final between Chelsea FC and Manchester City on May 16, a landmark selection that underscores ongoing efforts to improve diversity within football officiating.
A member of the Premier League’s Select Group 1 for the past three seasons, Howson has steadily progressed through the refereeing ranks and is widely respected for his consistency at the top level.
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His appointment to one of English football’s biggest fixtures reflects growing confidence in his performance on the elite stage.
According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, the final will be refereed by Darren England, who will take charge of an FA Cup final for the first time. He will be assisted by Tim Wood and Sam Barrott, while Peter Bankes will serve as VAR, supported by Nick Hopton.
Howson’s selection aligns with broader efforts by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to promote inclusivity and expand opportunities within refereeing pathways.
In recent years, officials such as Farai Hallam, Ruebyn Ricardo, and Sam Allison have advanced into higher levels of the men’s game, reflecting gradual progress in representation.
For referee Darren England, the appointment marks a significant moment in his career, following earlier scrutiny over a high-profile VAR error in 2023 during a Premier League match between Tottenham and Liverpool. He has since returned to top-level officiating and now leads one of English football’s most prestigious fixtures.
As excitement builds ahead of the final, Howson’s historic appointment stands as a defining milestone, symbolising progress in the game and serving as an inspiration for future generations of officials.
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