Professional padel is facing a major crisis as players affiliated with the Professional Padel Association (PPA) threaten to boycott the Gijón tournament. In a letter addressed to the players, the International Padel Federation (FIP) and Premier Padel (PP) attempt to defuse the situation and call for a return to dialogue, emphasizing the importance of their participation for the benefit of the circuit and the sport as a whole.

A Standoff Over Circuit Conditions

In their letter dated February 14, 2025, Luigi Carraro, president of the FIP, and David Serrahima, director of Premier Padel, remind players that discussions have already been initiated with the PPA to improve playing conditions and adapt the circuit to the evolution of professional padel. Several demands have been put forward by the players:

  • Adjusting the number of tournaments counted for the ranking. .
  • Reevaluating participation in the CUPRA FIP Tour tournaments. .
  • Discussing the size of P1 tournament draws. .
  • Addressing other legal aspects related to the December 2022 LFA agreement. .

In the same letter, the FIP and PP express their willingness to immediately start negotiations and reach an agreement within 15 days on the key issues raised. They also pledge to legally formalize these commitments and establish regular dialogue with the PPA.

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A High-Stakes Boycott

Despite this willingness to negotiate, players appear determined to proceed with the boycott of the Gijón tournament, a decision that could have significant repercussions. According to sources close to Premier Padel, such an action could jeopardize sponsorship contracts, potential investments, and even padel’s image with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as the sport continues to strive for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

"The tournament is going to happen no matter what, but as stated in the first letter, this could have serious consequences," a source reveals. "Sponsorships, investments... and even padel’s Olympic future—everything is at stake. Did they really consider all of this before making such a decision?"

While players have every right to demand better conditions, some regret that they have immediately resorted to the threat of a boycott, rather than first publicly communicating their demands before taking such a drastic step.

A Call for Dialogue Instead of Confrontation

In their letter, the FIP and Premier Padel stress the urgency of resolving this impasse, noting that this situation benefits no one and harms the sport. They urge the players to reconsider their decision and register for the Gijón tournament, in order to prevent a conflict that could weaken the entire padel ecosystem.

The key question now is whether this appeal will convince the players to return to the negotiating table or if the standoff will continue, potentially causing a lasting fracture in the professional circuit.

Players have until midnight to register for the Gijon P2.

Franck Binisti

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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