Chelsea learn referee decision for FA Cup final showdown against Man City

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Evening Standard

·29 April 2026

Chelsea learn referee decision for FA Cup final showdown against Man City

Blues face Premier League title contenders in May final

The Blues are in a period of transition under interim head coach Calum McFarlane following the sacking of Liam Rosenior last week.

McFarlane’s interim stint began in positive fashion on Sunday when they beat Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley Stadium to book their return date by reaching next month’s final, where they will face Premier League title chasers City on May 16.

And now, Chelsea have discovered who will be the man in the middle.

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It will be Darren England who officiates the spectacle in what will be the Englishman’s first FA Cup final in charge.

England was previously the fourth official at the 2025 final between Crystal Palace and City, and he was an assistant referee for the 2015 final which saw Arsenal win 4-0 against Aston Villa.

Akil Howson has been named as an assistant referee and will become the first black official to be involved in the officiating of an FA Cup final. The other assistant referee is set to be Tim Wood.

Sam Barrott will be the man with the board, while Peter Bankes has been appointed as the video assistant referee.