Two on-field teams and a VAR selected for football’s biggest stage 🌍
An outstanding achievement and a proud moment as seven of our match officials prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026 👏
154 years of history. One groundbreaking appointment. 🏆
Akil Howson will today become the first Black match official appointed to an Emirates FA Cup final.
From grassroots football in Leicestershire to the national stadium, Akil’s journey reflects years of dedication, resilience and excellence within the game.
Inspired by pioneering officials like Uriah Rennie, tomorrow’s appointment is not only a personal milestone for Akil and his family, but an important moment for representation across officiating and English football as a whole.
Inside the game from Michael Salisbury’s perspective 📹
The latest Ref Cam provides a unique view of Manchester City v Brentford through the eyes of the referee.
Watch now on @tntsportsfootball & @skysports
From assistant referee to Emirates FA Cup final referee 🏆
Ahead of Saturday’s final at Wembley, Darren England reflects on the journey that has taken him from running the line in the 2015 final to leading the officiating team for this weekend’s showpiece occasion.
From unforgettable Wembley memories, lessons learned along the way and advice for the next generation of match officials 🙌🏼
💬 ‘We share a common interest which is football - it’s beneficial for us and the players because it gives us a deeper understanding of what our roles are’
Referees Paul Howard and Sunny Singh Gill delivered a Laws of the Game education session with @chelseafcacademy scholars.
Combining classroom learning with on-pitch application, the session gave players the opportunity to explore how key decisions are made and experience match scenarios alongside participants from the #PLPFAPlayersFund programme delivered by @chelseafcfoundation .
The visit forms part of a nationwide programme helping strengthen understanding of the game through officiating 🤝
Referee Mel Burgin will lead the team of match officials for the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final 🏆
Mel will be supported by assistant referees Anastasiya Voloshchuk and Leoni Harland. Phoebe Cross has been appointed as fourth official with Ruby Sykes as reserve assistant referee.
Paul Howard and Neil Davies will operate as VAR and AVAR respectively for the final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 31 May.
Match Officials Mic’d Up 🗣️
The final instalment of the 2025/26 season airs this evening, featuring in-game audio and communication between on-field and VAR officials, alongside insight and reflection on key decisions from recent match rounds.
ℹ️ UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports and TNT Sports from 7pm. International viewers can access the full episode via their local rights holder.
