Akil Howson is on the verge of making history as the inaugural black match official to preside over an FA Cup final, a milestone that arrives after 154 years of the competition's storied existence. The upcoming showdown at Wembley, scheduled for 16 May, will see Howson serving alongside referee Darren England as one of the two assistant referees when Chelsea face Manchester City.
Howson's journey to this landmark appointment began in August 2023, when he broke a 15‑year hiatus by becoming the Premier League’s first permanent black official since the pioneering tenure of Uriah Rennie. That appointment signaled a broader shift within English football, reflecting a concerted effort to diversify the officiating ranks at both grassroots and elite levels. Today, officials of black, Asian or mixed heritage comprise more than seven per cent of the total pool across the men’s and women’s professional games – a figure that is roughly three times higher than the proportion recorded just a year earlier.
The selection of Darren England to take charge of the final further underscores the evolving narrative of redemption and resilience within the refereeing community. England, who earned his Premier League badge in 2020, had previously been part of the officiating team at last year’s final as the fourth official and had also served as an assistant referee in the 2015 final. However, his path has not been without controversy.
In September 2023, during a high‑profile Premier League encounter between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, England made a critical VAR error: he failed to overturn an on‑field call that disallowed a Luis Diaz goal for alleged offside. The mistake attracted intense scrutiny, leading to a three‑month hiatus from refereeing duties and a delayed return to VAR responsibilities until April 2024.
Despite that setback, his appointment to the FA Cup final is widely regarded as a testament to his overall performance throughout the season and a significant professional vindication. Howson’s own narrative is equally compelling. Growing up with a passion for football, he pursued refereeing as a means to stay connected to the sport he loved.
Over the years, he climbed the officiating ladder, gaining experience in lower‑league matches before earning his place among the elite. His presence on the touchline at Wembley will not only be a personal triumph but also a visible symbol of progress for aspiring officials from under‑represented backgrounds. Young referees of colour will now have a tangible example of what is achievable, reinforcing the message that the sport’s governing bodies are actively working to create a more inclusive environment.
The broader context of this development cannot be ignored. In recent years, the Football Association has launched a series of initiatives aimed at widening the recruitment funnel for officials, including targeted outreach programs in schools and community clubs, mentorship schemes, and bias‑training for senior officials. These measures have begun to bear fruit, as evidenced by the rising proportion of officials from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
While the seven‑percent figure may still appear modest in absolute terms, its rapid growth signals a cultural shift that could reshape the face of English football officiating in the coming decade. Beyond the symbolic significance, Howson’s appointment also carries practical implications for the match itself.
As an assistant referee, his responsibilities will include monitoring offside positions, signaling fouls that occur near the touchline, and assisting the referee in managing the flow of the game. His keen eye and experience at the highest levels of the domestic game will be crucial in a contest that pits two of the Premier League’s most potent attacking sides against each other. Chelsea, under the guidance of their manager, will be looking to exploit set‑piece opportunities, while Manchester City’s fluid, possession‑based approach will demand vigilant off‑the‑ball oversight.
The FA Cup final, traditionally one of the most watched events in the English sporting calendar, will be broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. Howson’s historic role will likely be highlighted by commentators and pundits, adding an extra layer of narrative to an already high‑stakes fixture. For many fans, the match will serve as a reminder that football continues to evolve, not only in terms of tactics and technology but also in its commitment to reflecting the diversity of the communities that support it. In addition to the on‑field action, the event will be accompanied by a suite of digital and promotional activities.
Sky Sports, the official broadcaster, will feature the match across its platforms, offering live streaming via the Sky Sports app, interactive content on WhatsApp, and subscription options for viewers without a traditional Sky package. While these marketing elements are peripheral to the core sporting story, they illustrate the modern, multi‑channel approach to delivering football to a global audience. Looking ahead, Howson’s breakthrough could pave the way for further milestones.
The next logical step might see a black referee appointed to lead an FA Cup final, or officials of diverse backgrounds taking charge of other marquee events such as the Community Shield or even international tournaments. The momentum generated by this appointment is likely to encourage the FA and other governing bodies to double down on their diversity programmes, ensuring that the officiating pipeline continues to broaden. In summary, Akil Howson’s upcoming role as an assistant referee in the 2024 FA Cup final represents a historic first for black officials in the competition’s long‑standing history.
Coupled with Darren England’s redemption arc and the overall increase in diversity among officials, the match stands as a powerful illustration of how the sport is gradually becoming more inclusive. As the teams prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating contest, the officiating crew will be under the spotlight, not only for their decisions on the pitch but also for the broader cultural significance they embody.