History will be made on Monday as Sapir Berman becomes the first transgender referee to officiate an international football match under UEFA, according to AFP.
The 30-year-old will oversee the Women’s Under-17 Euro qualifier between Northern Ireland and Montenegro in Belfast, marking a significant milestone for European football.
Expressing her emotions ahead of the match, Berman described the moment as an “overwhelming feeling” filled with “immense pride and excitement.” However, she remains focused on her primary goal—continuing her journey in the sport she loves.
“I step into this moment with deep humility and excitement, hoping to do my very best, to represent my country, to stand for my sisters in the transgender community, and to show that every dream is possible,” she told AFP.
Berman also highlighted the importance of representation, stating that diversity on the field helps normalize inclusion and sends a strong message that talent and dedication matter above all else.
Her appointment follows that of Lucy Clark, who became England’s first transgender referee in 2018 at the semi-professional level but never officiated an international game.
With 14 years of experience, Berman’s inclusion comes amid ongoing discussions about transgender participation in sports. While organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) allow federations to set their own policies, sports such as World Rugby have restricted transgender athletes due to safety concerns, whereas International Shooting has ruled that male hormones provide no advantage in their sport.
Berman’s appointment is widely seen as a progressive step for football, reinforcing the sport’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities on the global stage.
