Carlisle Referee Handed Wembley Role for League One Play-Off Final
Carlisle referee Anthony Backhouse has been appointed as fourth official for the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final at Wembley Stadium, marking another major milestone in his officiating career.
Backhouse will be part of the officiating team for Sunday’s highly anticipated clash between Bolton Wanderers and Stockport County under the famous Wembley arch. The match will determine the final club to secure promotion from League One to the Championship for the 2026/27 season.
The appointment is seen as a significant achievement for the Cumbria-based official, who has steadily risen through the ranks of English football officiating in recent years. Wembley appointments are regarded as among the highest honours for referees outside international tournaments and Premier League finals.
Backhouse has become a familiar figure across the English Football League and has officiated numerous high-profile fixtures throughout the season. His latest appointment reflects growing recognition from football authorities for his performances and consistency at national level.
The League One Play-Off Final is widely considered one of the most financially important matches in English football outside the Premier League, with promotion offering clubs a substantial increase in revenue, television exposure, and commercial opportunities. This year’s final will see Bolton Wanderers face Stockport County in front of tens of thousands of supporters at Wembley Stadium.
The officiating team for the final will also include video assistant referees, continuing the use of VAR technology for major English Football League showpiece events. Football authorities confirmed the selected officials are among the top-performing referees and assistants from across the EFL system this season.
Backhouse’s appointment has been welcomed by many in Cumbria’s football community, with local supporters praising the achievement as recognition of the region’s growing representation within the professional game.
The Wembley final forms part of the annual EFL play-off schedule, often described as the most dramatic period of the Football League calendar. Promotion-winning teams earn not only sporting success but also the opportunity to compete at a higher-level next season.
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