Sapir Bermann Becomes First Trans Referee in UEFA Match, Set to Officiate Northern Ireland – Montenegro

UEFA has appointed Sapir Bermann for the Northern Ireland – Montenegro match in the UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship qualifiers. The Israeli referee becomes the first trans official to officiate a senior international match. The 30-year-old is set to make history as UEFA has never before assigned a trans referee to an official international game. Bermann, who announced her transition in 2021, will also oversee the Kazakhstan – Montenegro encounter on Saturday (March 20, 2025). Speaking about this milestone, she expressed: ‘Becoming an international referee is a great honor and source of pride, but most importantly, it’s the chance to continue doing what I love in the world that shaped me. With deep humility, I hope to do my best while representing my country and advocating for my LGBTQI+ sisters. When young players see diversity in competitive sports, it helps normalize inclusion and sends a strong message that talent and commitment truly matter.’ It’s worth noting that the first trans woman referee was Englishwoman Louise Clarke, who officiated in a semi-professional English league match in 2018, though she hasn’t reached a major tournament yet.