Chelsea FC Confirms Darren England as FA Cup Final Referee Against Man City
Chelsea FC prepares for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 16, with Darren England appointed as referee. Discover the full officiating team for the Wembley showdown.
Chelsea FC has officially learned the officiating team for their highly anticipated FA Cup final clash against Premier League title contenders Manchester City next month. The crucial match, set for May 16 at Wembley Stadium, will see Darren England take charge as the man in the middle, marking a significant milestone in his career.
The Blues are navigating a period of transition under interim head coach Calum McFarlane, who stepped in following the recent sacking of Liam Rosenior. McFarlane's tenure began positively with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semi-final, securing Chelsea's return to Wembley for the final.
Darren England's appointment as the FA Cup final referee is a career first for the Englishman in this capacity. While this will be his debut as the primary official for the showpiece event, England has previous experience on the big stage, having served as the fourth official at the 2025 final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City.
England's experience also includes being an assistant referee for the 2015 FA Cup final, where Arsenal famously defeated Aston Villa 4-0. For the upcoming final, he will be joined by Akil Howson and Tim Wood as assistant referees. Notably, Akil Howson will make history as the first black official to be part of the officiating team for an FA Cup final.
Completing the officiating lineup, Sam Barrott has been named as the fourth official, responsible for managing the technical areas and substitutions. Peter Bankes will oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties, ensuring fair play and assisting the on-field officials with critical decisions during the high-stakes encounter.
As Chelsea FC prepares to face Manchester City, the announcement of the refereeing team adds another layer of anticipation to what promises to be a thrilling FA Cup final. Both clubs will be eager to lift the prestigious trophy, with all eyes on Wembley on May 16.