Berman, 30, will enter the stadium through St. Vincent Street to officiate a UEFA Women's U-17 Championship qualifier between Northern Ireland and Montenegro. A few days later, she will also referee a match between Kazakhstan and Montenegro.
"A dream come true is only the beginning," Berman shared a few weeks ago upon receiving her international badge. "After 14 years on the field, I have become an international referee. It is an enormous honor and an indescribable excitement, but more than anything, it is an opportunity to continue doing what I love in the world I grew up in and that shaped me. What an incredible way to start a new chapter."
At a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal about policies regarding transgender participation in sports, an Israeli referee is making history in the world's most popular sport. The Guinness World Records recognized British referee Lucy Clark as the first transgender soccer official seven years ago. "If it weren’t for soccer, I wouldn’t be here today — it saved my life," Clark said at the time. "I felt like a fraud, living a life that wasn’t mine. Coming out was an enormous relief."
Three years after Clark’s milestone, Berman has also made history. However, her journey was even more challenging, as she transitioned while continuing to officiate at the highest levels. Despite skepticism and criticism, Berman has established herself as one of the top referees in the Israeli Premier League, earning the assignment for the recent key match between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Maccabi Haifa at Toto-Turner Stadium. She is also one of only three referees chosen to officiate the first round of the championship playoff, leading the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Haifa at Bloomfield Stadium.
The Israel Referees Association’s CEO, Yariv Tepper, worked tirelessly to secure Berman’s international badge. Ironically, the success of Algerian boxer Iman Khalif, who won a gold medal in Paris, nearly derailed the effort. While Khalif is not transgender, the controversy surrounding gender identity in sports placed pressure on UEFA and FIFA. However, persistent lobbying ultimately led to both organizations approving Berman’s appointment — an achievement not only for Israeli soccer but also for the refereeing profession in Israel.
In her first two years as a referee in the Premier League, Berman faced significant physical and mental challenges due to her hormonal transition and medical procedures. She initially struggled with fitness tests and was reassigned to the second-tier National League. However, the referees’ association provided extensive support, including a dedicated sports psychologist, a personal fitness program and video analysis of her performances.
"The hormones I took weakened my testosterone levels, which had a significant impact," Berman said of her transition, which affected her physical fitness and on-field decision-making. Despite the challenges, her ultimate goal — earning an international referee badge — kept her motivated.
Former Israel Referees Association chairwoman Ronit Tirosh supported Berman throughout her transition. Her successor, Tepper, made it clear that Berman would be evaluated solely on professional standards. Over time, she met all expectations.
Berman played soccer as a teenager for teams such as Hapoel Haifa and Ironi Nesher, which helped her develop a deep understanding of the game. Israeli referees typically run 10-12 kilometers per match, and while Berman is on the lower end of this range, she has successfully managed high-pressure matches.
Today, Berman is a full-time professional referee. She began her officiating career at age 17 and joined the Premier League referees' roster before coming out as transgender. She has also served as an ambassador for Israel, traveling to Jewish communities in New York and even speaking at the United Nations.
"My biggest dream was to be a woman and a referee. The field is my home," Berman said. Today, she is exactly where she wanted to be. Her parents, who raised her in Kiryat Bialik, attend all her matches. While referees in Israel often face criticism, Berman has earned widespread respect from fellow officials, players, and coaches.
"She knows how to respect the players and coaching staff," said one Premier League coach. "She understands that the game is about them, not her. She doesn’t rush to show yellow cards unnecessarily or get involved in petty disputes."
Initially, there were concerns about how soccer fans would react to Berman’s transition, but Israeli crowds have largely been mature and respectful, with no significant incidents of transphobia during her matches. Players also appreciate her approach. One player remarked, "She keeps the game lighthearted, always comes in with a smile, and avoids unnecessary conflicts. She’s all about professionalism. Sapir brings something unique that no other referee has."
The next big question is whether Berman will be selected to officiate one of the upcoming Israel State Cup semifinals—a move that would further cement her status as one of the country’s top referees and perhaps even the best among them.
