Referee Stacey Fullicks will lead out the teams of Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, as she takes charge of the 2025 Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final.
Joined by her support team of assistant referees Ceri Williams and Isabel Chaplin, fourth official Megan Wilson, reserve assistant referee Anastasiya Voloshchuk (London FA), video assistant referee Peter Bankes and assistant VAR Eddie Smart.
Ahead of the Final, we spoke to Stacey to get her thoughts on the game and her appointment.
How did you feel, and can you remember what you were doing, when you got the call-up to referee the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final?
I remember I was at work at the time. I’m a sports coach at a SEND school and I had just finished a lesson. I was over the moon when I was told I would be refereeing the Women’s FA Cup Final. I felt incredible, on cloud nine, and a little emotional as it’s the ultimate recognition for all the hard work I’ve put in.
Is this your first match officiating at Wembley?
Yes, and I’m very excited. It’s a dream come true! I used to play football before I refereed, so I am doing this for that little girl who the boys hated playing against.
Have you had any advice from others who have officiated at Wembley before?
Yes, I think the main bit of advice I’ve had is to soak it all in. I think it’s important to recognise the pressure, acknowledge it and enjoy it because I would’ve bitten my right arm off to have this opportunity. I’m an F1 fan and I was watching a video of Daniel Ricciardo and his words were... ‘enjoy the butterflies, enjoy being naive, enjoy the nerves, the pressure, people not knowing your name, enjoy the process of making a name for yourself and meeting some great people along the way where you can learn from and laugh with and enjoy some moments with. Don’t be afraid to surround yourself with people you love and care about.’
You can read a full interview with Stacey in the official match programme for the 2025 Adobe Women’s FA Cup Final which you can order here.
Find out how you can tune in to watch the Final around the globe by clicking here.
