In Vichy, the recent construction of new padel courts used by Sporting Vichy Bellerive TC, as part of works undertaken for the creation of the National Training Center (CNE) Padel supported by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and local authorities, is provoking a strong reaction from the Padel Ancillary , a private club established seven years ago. Its founder, Cyprien Michel , denounces a situation of economic imbalance linked to a project funded up to 13 million euros of public money while the institutions advocate for infrastructure that is structuring for the territory.
A private club weakened by a public project
For several months, tensions have been rising on the side of the Padel des Ancises. Its founder warns of the direct consequences of opening the new complex.
« 13 million euros of public money heavily impacting a private club that has been established for 7 years… how could padel in Vichy have come to this? »
This observation is part of a broader context:
« At first glance, the rise of padel in France looks like a success story… but locally, the situation is very different. »
The club's model relies exclusively on private funding:
« Seven years of private investment, without significant public aid, with all the usual charges: VAT, URSSAF, taxes. »
And he insists on a point that he considers to be often minimized:
« The assistance I received was minimal. It was more than offset by the number of licenses created, as well as by the tournament homologation costs. »
Before adding:
« In reality, there was no support from the committee, the league, or the federation. I always did everything on my own. »
13 million euros and competition deemed unbalanced
The construction of new padel courts, used by Sporting Vichy Bellerive TC, marks a turning point, according to him:
« The club's economic balance has been profoundly disrupted with the arrival of this complex, financed by 13 million euros of public money. »
The executive directly points to the consequences on the local market:
« In reality, such a structure radically changes the rules of the game. »
The issue of tariffs is at the heart of the tensions:
« An unlimited package at 370 euros… for players it’s attractive, but for a private club, it’s unsustainable. »
And he wonders:
« How can a private company compete with a structure funded by public money? »
« In any other sector, we would immediately talk about distortion of competition. »
A legally sensitive case
Beyond the economic aspect, Cyprien Michel raises regulatory issues:
« These funds must respect a fundamental principle: not to create unfair competition with an existing structure. »
He raises numerous questions:
« Was an impact study carried out? Was my existence taken into account? How can such aggressive sales tactics be justified? »
And laments:
« Today, these questions remain without a clear answer. »
A direct critique of federal governance
The founder of Padel des Ancises also targets the position of the governing bodies, particularly that of Gilles Moretton:
« We are told that he doesn't want to interfere... but he is the president of the federation. As such, he is responsible for the leagues. »
« He should intervene rather than passing the buck by hiding behind the league. »
To put it more directly:
« It feels like we're in kindergarten: "It wasn't me, it was him." A truly wonderful way to take responsibility. »
The tone is becoming even harsher:
« Without an agreement acceptable to me, this matter will be taken to court. »
The FFT is advocating for a structuring project
In response to these criticisms, the French Tennis Federation and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes League are putting forward a different vision.
Regarding the unlimited offer:
« It is offered by the Sporting Vichy-Bellerive TC club, a non-profit organization affiliated with the FFT (French Tennis Federation), but managing its activities independently, and which has always aimed to offer its members accessible opportunities for sports. No unlimited access is offered by the FFT or the league. »
« The project was designed as a structuring facility serving clubs, members and the local area. »
The FFT only operates the CNE and does not rent out slots. Padel to the general public. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes League sells the remaining time slots available to it, not through an annual subscription, but rather by the hour at prices comparable to those of the Padel des Ancises. Its main missions are part of a broader ecosystem, with the ambition of developing the local padel ecosystem:
« Training center, departmental committee activities, league actions, Sporting club, and finally track rental for the general public during dedicated time slots. »
Regarding the fees charged by the League:
« Prices are comparable to those in the region, including by the Padel Ancises. »
The FFT emphasizes the overall objective:
« The aim is not to compete with existing structures, but to contribute to the development of padel. »
And it reiterates its role in providing support:
« An equipment grant was awarded in 2021 to Padel Ancises, as well as regular exchanges and advice . The role of the French Tennis Federation is to approve and facilitate the implementation of projects that increase the availability of tennis and related disciplines, making them accessible to as many people as possible. The construction of new courts in Vichy contributes to this goal. Its role is not to dictate pricing policies at the club level. »
A balance yet to be found
Beyond the stances taken, the situation in Vichy highlights a fundamental problem: that of coexistence between private investments et major public projects .
Between territorial development, accessibility for players and respect for local economic balances, French padel faces a major challenge.
In Vichy, the case could now go beyond the sporting arena and enter into legal territory.
Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.
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