The Emirates FA Cup quarter-final takes place between Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 April 2026, with four ties taking place.
We now have the match officials confirmed for each of the ties, with the full list of who will be taking charge below.
1 Southampton v Arsenal
Referee: Sam Barrott
Assistant Referees: James Mainwaring & Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Thomas Bramall
VAR: James Bell
AVAR: Nick Hopton
2 Chelsea v Port Vale
Referee: Farai Hallam
Assistant Referees: Richard West & Steven Meredith
Fourth Official: Andrew Madley
VAR: Neil Davies
AVAR: Peter Bankes
3 Manchester City v Liverpool
Referee: Michael Oliver
Assistant Referees: Stuart Burt & Timothy Wood
Fourth Official: Paul Tierney
VAR: Paul Howard
AVAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
4 West Ham United v Leeds United
Referee: Craig Pawson
Assistant Referees: Lee Betts & Matthew Wilkes
Fourth Official: Peter Bankes
VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
AVAR: Stuart Attwell
For the first time, referee announcements following VAR reviews will also be displayed in writing on stadium big screens during this weekend’s four Emirates FA Cup quarter-final ties.
As part of the familiar VAR process, ‘Checking’ and ‘Decision’ graphics will continue to appear as normal, however, an additional on-screen graphic will be shown across the Emirates FA Cup matches on Saturday 4 April and Sunday 5 April if any referee announcements take place, with the aim of adding further clarity and accessibility for supporters regarding the outcome of any VAR reviews.
Working alongside PGMO, this trial emphasises football’s collective desire to continue providing more information to match-going fans where possible.
