Many people don't understand why Qatar finds itself in these World Championships of padel 2022 that take place in Dubai.

How is it that we have three hens from four nations and one hen from five, for the ladies and for the boys?

Normal, abnormal? We will try to see more clearly.

The change of the host country had consequences

Qatar was supposed to host these Worlds. Indeed, it was the FIP's first choice. Therefore, this country was exempt from qualifications.

Except that in the meantime, for reasons that we don't know precisely, the FIP had to find a new host country very quickly for the competition. And the United Arab Emirates quickly positioned themselves and obtained the endorsement of the FIP.

Consequence: Qatar no longer being the host country, the Qataris therefore found themselves absent from the first tables of the 2022 Worlds, communicated by the FIP a few days ago.

Not having been able to participate in the qualifications, Qatar found the situation unfair and therefore asked the FIP to reconsider its position and accept its men's team (the country does not have a women's team). Something the FIP did.

Draw-Explanation-17-teams-okDownload

On a purely sporting level, and in view of Qatar's involvement in the padel, we could therefore estimate that there is nothing abnormal to see him participate in this World Cup.

Finally, the other argument that we don't necessarily think of at first glance is the balance of the ladies' and gentlemen's tables. Indeed, the United Arab Emirates having a ladies' and gentlemen's team, we inevitably ended up with a ladies' draw with 17 teams since the host country obviously had to be part of the competition, and the FIP could not withdraw a team which had qualified.

In a way, the UAE women's team considered by the FIP as “invited” offered this option in Qatar for the men. So we have a “guest” team for each category.

But his participation raises questions…

First, the presence of Qatar creates an imbalance. Indeed, why should we have a pool of 5 when the others are made up of 4 countries? This means more matches for the group of 5 (the D in this case), more fatigue, more risk of injury. It is therefore, it is true, not very fair compared to the others.

But, it can also be said that Qatar is not a top-notch team either, and ultimately will only have a small impact on the performance and flow of the competition. Indeed, last year, the Qataris had finished in last place.

The other question that arises is the regulations. Could the FIP do it? The statutes do they allow him to do so?

Obviously, it's not that obvious. Indeed, the statutes provide very precisely for 16 women's teams and 16 men's teams for the final stages of a World Championship. With 17 we do not seem to be very in accordance with the regulations…

Moreover, if it is determined that the FIP can adapt its regulations to respond to this exceptional situation, we can say that on a purely sporting level, it could have ensured that Sweden could participate in the competition for men. . Indeed, the team which counts in its ranks the Windahl, Vasquez and other Knutsson is sorely lacking in the call of this Emirati World Cup…

As you can see, the debate remains open, can the choice of the FIP be understandable in view of the exceptional situation? We are waiting for your opinion!

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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