Historic appointment marks a milestone in English football officiating ahead of Wembley showpiece
Akil Howson is set to make history as the first Black official to be appointed to the FA Cup final, in a landmark moment for English football refereeing.
The Football Association confirmed his selection as part of the officiating team for the 2026 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, scheduled for May, where he will serve in a key match official role.
Howson’s appointment is being widely recognised as a significant step forward for diversity and representation within elite refereeing in English football, a system that has traditionally lacked Black officials at the highest levels.
He has progressed through the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) pathway, officiating in the English Football League and Premier League fixtures in recent seasons, earning praise for consistency and match control in high-pressure games.
Football governing bodies have in recent years intensified efforts to improve inclusion within refereeing, following longstanding concerns about underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in senior officiating roles.
While reactions across the football community have been largely positive, analysts note that the appointment also places increased scrutiny on Howson’s performance, given the visibility and prestige of an FA Cup final assignment.
The FA has not yet released full details of the officiating team, but confirmed that final appointments will be publicly announced closer to match day.
Howson’s selection is being described as a landmark moment for English football, reflecting gradual progress toward greater diversity in the sport’s officiating ranks.