Kick-off time and match officials confirmed for Emirates FA Cup Final

Tuesday 24 Apr 2018
The Emirates FA Cup Final takes place on Saturday 19 May

The Emirates FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester United will kick-off at 5.15pm on Saturday 19 May, the Football Association has confirmed.

The kick-off time was agreed after consultation with the Safety Advisory Group.

The Wembley showpiece will be refereed by Michael Oliver, who will be assisted by Lee Betts and Ian Hussin, with Lee Mason the fourth official.

Neil Swarbrick will be the first video assistant referee (VAR) in FA Cup Final history, with Mick McDonough the assistant VAR.

Chelsea v Man Utd
  • Emirates FA Cup Final
  • 5.15pm, Saturday 19 May
  • at Wembley Stadium
  • Winning club to receive £1.8m
  • Live on BBC One and BT Sport 2 & 4KUHD

Oliver said: "I was very proud and humbled to receive the phone call.

"When you start out, taking charge of the Cup Final is not something you even think about. As your career progresses it becomes a realistic target but it’s not a call you ever expect to take. This opportunity only comes around once in a referee’s career.

"It’s funny how things work out because the 1994 Final between Manchester United and Chelsea is the first one I remember watching. And now here I am taking charge of those two teams in an FA Cup Final 24 years later."

Meanwhile, ticket allocations are in line with last season, with each set of fans being allocated over 28,000 tickets. The figure represents approximately 80 per cent of the available seating.

As well as the ticket split between the two Finalists, approximately 14,000 tickets will be distributed back into the game through the football family, which includes volunteers representing County FAs, FA affiliated leagues, clubs and charities.

Tickets for the Final are priced £45, £70, £115 and £145 for adults, with a saving of £25 for concession tickets in category 1 and 2 and a saving of £10 in category 3 and 4.

Chelsea fans will occupy the east end of Wembley Stadium while Manchester United fans will be in the west end, determined by the travel requirements of the majority of each club’s supporters.

Fan parks will be installed externally at the respective ends of the stadium. The allocation of dressing rooms for each club also replicates the ends where their supporters will be gathered.

Club Wembley membership

You can guarantee your seat at the Emirates FA Cup Final with a Club Wembley membership.

You’ll enjoy the game in style with exclusive access to bars and restaurants, and enjoy a wide range of benefits from partners as part of your membership.

Find out more by registering your details here.

By FA Staff