In a recent interview, Philippe Cerfont, treasurer of theAFPadel, the Belgian federation not recognized by the government, mentioned in Padel Magazine the “resistance that is organizing” in order to win “the padel war” (read below).

French-speaking Belgium: the padel federation says it is on the verge of “winning the war” against tennis

These remarks did not fail to make the leaders of theAFT Padel, the only official federation in French-speaking Belgium, which manages both tennis and padel.

" First of all, indicates the AFT Padel, we are surprised that the terms “war” and “resistance” are used in a debate on sport. It is deeply regrettable.

As regards the management of padel in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, it must be noted that there are two federations present, both of which manage padel in its own interests.

The authorities have granted recognition for the management of discipline to AFT Padel. Only one federation can benefit from this recognition for the same discipline. This is the decision that was also taken in the Dutch-speaking part of the country.

We therefore believe that this management model is the most appropriate solution in our region and in our country. The Flemish, the Dutch, the French and the Italians do the same and they are great padel nations. We can understand that some do not share this opinion, but we cannot endorse their way of expressing it, which is not in line with the sport.

"The situation is likely to get bogged down for years"

We do not want to criticize the work done at the AFP (they are passionate people who do this with conviction, just like us) but would like to integrate everyone's efforts to develop padel under a dome that has the financial and human resources to move forward quickly.

We want to reach out to padel clubs and explain our ambitions for padel, while reminding them that they are part of a community, an association within which they have rights and obligations expressed in statutes. The letter we sent them does not involve threats, it is an invitation to dialogue.

An information meeting on this subject will take place on February 13.

And we also want to take this opportunity to restore the truth in relation to the impressive set of untruths which are propagated by certain leaders of the AFP to justify its separatist attitude. Justifying one's policy by mainly criticizing the actions of the competing federation is not part of our way of looking at sport.

In 2021, we participated in a mediation at the initiative of the Ministry of Sports and rational solutions were on the table to bring the parties together. These proposals were swept away by AFP.

Without any real will on the part of the AFP, the situation risks getting bogged down for years, which will give a poor image to padel in the southern part of our country. Our Flemish friends, reunified, have nearly 100 members and the cohabitation of two leagues is nothing more than a distant memory in Flanders. For obvious financial reasons, the State does not want the proliferation of sports federations and has in recent years carried out a lot of rationalization work in other sports (gymnastics, shooting, athletics have many more than two disciplines in their federations, which does not prevent them from performing at the highest level).

Avoid quarrels at all costs

Our approach is also part of the international perspective: thanks to the efforts made both by AFT Padel that through its Dutch-speaking equivalent, we have been able to hold high-level world championships. The Olympic Games are in sight: our disagreements are perhaps likely to slow down the development of Belgian padel at the international level, and this because of petty quarrels. This must be avoided at all costs.

And to conclude, to date, AFT Padel is doing well and has 7000 competitors and a number of recreational padel players. Because they also need to be taken care of.

The letter perceived as a threat

At the end of December, the chairman and general secretary of AFT Padel sent a letter to tennis and padel clubs, particularly those who are tempted by a dual affiliation with the AFT Padel on the one hand, to AFP on the other.

This letter, presented above as an “incitement to dialogue”, was perceived by some leaders as a threat or assault. In particular, it is stipulated that a club cannot join two federations or share its facilities with another club.

After 40 years of tennis, Jérôme fell into the padel pot in 2018. Since then, he thinks about it every morning while shaving… but never shaves with a pala in hand! A journalist in Alsace, his only ambition is to share his passion with you, whether you speak French, Italian, Spanish or English.

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