Cornwall FA were delighted to learn that our 2021/22 Cornwall Senior Cup Final referee Simon Long has been appointed as Assistant VAR for the FA Cup Final to be played on Saturday, 3rd June 2023 between Manchester City and Manchester United. 

We caught up with Simon following the announcement of his appointment to see how he learned about his appointment, how he felt when receiving the call and how he is preparing himself for the game.

“I was absolutely delighted when I received the call appointing me to this year’s FA Cup Final. The FA Cup Final is one of the highlights of any official's career and I am very fortunate to be involved again having previously been an Assistant Referee for the 2013 Final.

We have two rounds of Premier League fixtures left before the final, so it’s important to focus on successfully delivering those games before attention switches to the final itself.

I’ll be preparing as thoroughly as I always do, whilst trying to keep everything as normal as possible in the build up to the game, but I’m sure the excitement will take over closer to the time!

I can’t wait to represent my family, refereeing colleagues and the wider Cornish football community at the Final at the beginning of June”.

This is a fantastic appointment for Simon, and all at Cornwall FA wish him the very best of luck for the game.

If you are interested in getting started as a match official, please get in touch with lee.swabey@cornwallfa.com