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 war of padel” (read below).

French-speaking Belgium: the federation of padel says he is about to “win 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.

With regard to the management of padel in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, it must be noted that there are two federations involved, both of which manage the padel in his interest.

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 Flemings, the Dutch, the French and the Italians do the same and they are great nations of padel. We can understand that some may disagree, but we cannot condone their unsportsmanlike way of expressing it.

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

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

We want to reach out to the clubs of padel and explain to them our ambitions for the padel, while reminding them that they are part of a community, an association within which they have rights and obligations expressed in statutes. The missive 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 real will on the part of AFP, the situation risks getting bogged down for years, which will give a poor padel in the southern part of our country. Our Flemish friends, reunited, have nearly 100 members and the coexistence of two leagues is only 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 great deal of rationalization work in other sports (gymnastics, shooting, athletics count far 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 were able to achieve high-level world championships. The Olympic Games are in sight: our dissensions are perhaps likely to slow down the development of the padel Belgian at the international level, and this because of quarrels of parochialism. 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 practitioners of padel as a hobby. Because of those too, we must take care. »

The letter perceived as a threat

At the end of December, the chairman and general secretary of AFT Padel addressed a letter to tennis clubs and padel, especially those who are tempted by a dual affiliation to 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 falls into the pot of padel in 2018. Since then, he thinks about it every morning while shaving… but never shaves pala in hand! Journalist in Alsace, he has no other ambition than to share his passion with you, whether you speak French, Italian, Spanish or English.

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