Women's FA Cup Final: Suffolk official chosen as referee

Suffolk FA official, Emily Heaslip, who was born and currently lives in Bury St Edmunds, will be in the middle of the action on Sunday, May 14 as Manchester United take on Chelsea.

The match, which is already sold out, will kick-off at 2.30pm and be shown live on BBC One.

The 29-year-old, who already officiates in the Women's Super League and the men's National League, said: "I'm honoured to be appointed as the referee for the Vitality FA Women's Cup Final.

Emily Heaslip from Bury St Edmunds. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"It's a dream of every player to walk out at Wembley Stadium, and that's the same for every match official.

"We'll be determined to repay the trust put in us by The FA and the PGMOL to officiate at this stage of one of the biggest club competitions in football."

Emily will lead a team which features former Suffolk official Abi Byrne as the fourth official.

Abi Byrne will be fourth official for the match. Credit: Suffolk FA (Image: Suffolk FA)

Abi, who lives near Mildenhall, has also previously reffereed a Women's FA Cup Final, back in 2019.

Emily will also be the first referee to have use of VAR and goal-line technology in a Women's FA Cup match.