Soccer referee Sagi Berman announced Sunday that he plans to undergo gender reassignment surgery in the coming months, becoming the first transgender referee in Israeli soccer history.
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Berman has informed the Israeli Football Federation's Referees Association of his plans, as well as of the fact that he will change his name and is to be addressed as Sapir Berman.
The association has offered Berman its full support, saying that match assignments will not be affected by the decision.
Berman has reportedly told close associates that he felt his superiors had embraced his decision wholeheartedly and he was now confident he could continue the process without it affecting his career.
The announcement effectively completed Berman's "coming out" process. The Referees Association said all players and clubs have and are expected to treat Berman with the respect the position of referee commands.
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