PPA accuses FIP and Premier Padel chaotic and arbitrary management

Professional padel is going through a period of great turbulence, marked by growing tensions between the Professional Padel Association (PPA), International Federation of Padel (FIP) et Premier Padel. At the heart of the conflict: broken promises, rules changed unilaterally and lack of transparency which jeopardize the future of the circuit and the conditions of the players. In an official statement, the PPA denounces the current situation and calls for a framework fair, stable and transparentThis document reviews the main demands of the players and the need for constructive dialogue to guarantee a viable future for professional padel.

The PPA denounces the chaos and arbitrariness of the FIP and Premier Padel

PPA press release: professional padel in crisis

Hello everyone, First of all, we would like to thank all the media present today as well as our fellow players who, by their presence, show their support. We also thank all those who are following this press conference via digital channels. Alongside me are the other members of the PPA Board of Directors: Martín Di Nenno (Vice-President), Federico Chingotto (Member), Jose Antonio García Diestro (Secretary) and our lawyer José Antonio del Valle from the Cremades firm, who will be able to answer all your questions. We will now proceed to read a press release summarizing the current situation, seen from our position.

In recent weeks, many controversies have emerged around professional padel. Therefore, we consider it necessary to clarify our position regarding the current situation. Much biased information has been disseminated, which does not reflect objectively or accurately the reality we are facing, nor the actions of the Association of Professional Players of Padel (PPA), nor those of the players themselves. It is obvious that attempts to discredit the players and the PPA are being made, by distorting the legitimate nature of our defense of the circuit and our professional conditions. This is why, today, we are not on the fields but here, to clarify the facts, denounce the shortcomings of Premier Padel and the arbitrariness of the International Federation of Padel (FIP), and affirm that Professional padel has become unsustainable. We are facing a false professional model based on unfulfilled promises.

Two years ago, we, the players, decided to support a change of model for our sport. We trusted a project that promised us: the internationalization of padel and a real expansion of the circuit, the professionalization of sport with clear and fair regulation under the aegis of the FIP, a model guaranteeing players an essential role, a voice and guarantees regarding their professional future. Sadly, Current reality is far removed from this vision, and it is clear that these commitments have not been respected. We are faced with a circuit without clear rules, subject to arbitrary decisions, without minimum guarantees of legal security, thus endangering our careers. Premier Padel took the habit of not respecting contractual commitments, while the FIP, far from being an impartial body, acts as an executor of decisions which favour Premier Padel to the detriment of the players, thus revealing a clear conflict of interest and a serious lack of regulation.

An unacceptable system of governance

1. The FIP acts as judge and jury, favoring Premier Padel.
It's clear that the FIP and Premier Padel maintain a conflict of interest, with their key executives simultaneously holding senior positions in both organizations. In addition, the FIP is a major shareholder of Premier Padel, which compromises any independence and impartiality in the management of the circuit. This creates a serious lack of transparency and legal certainty for players, who are subject to unilateral decisions without a stable regulatory framework.

2. Rule changes imposed without notice.
A striking example of this arbitrary management is the sudden change in the points system for the 2025 season, after six ranking tournaments have been held. This change is equivalent to changing the rules in the middle of a football championship, like deciding that away draws are now worth two points instead of one. Such a situation would be totally unacceptable in any other sport.

3. Disproportionate conditions imposed on players.
The current one modification of the ranking and the restriction of accessible competitions to the players force them to playing an excessive number of tournaments, increasing the risk of injury and threatening their careers.

4. Breaches of the FIP's own rules and Premier Padel.
Another example is irregular extension of registration deadlines to tournaments P2 of Gijón and Cancún, performed without justification et in contradiction with the regulations in force.

5. The absence of specific regulations for Premier Padel.
Despite commitments made for more than a year, There is still no official regulation governing Premier Padel. Consequently, decisions are made arbitrarily, creating legal uncertainty that penalizes players. A professional circuit aspiring to become Olympic cannot rely on improvisation and the absence of a regulatory framework.

An attempt to manipulate public opinion

La FIP and Premier Padel sought to impose a false narrative by blaming the PPA to organize a “boycott” P2 tournaments in Gijón and Cancún. This accusation is completely false.

A call for dialogue in the face of pressure and threats

The PPA has always sought to establish constructive dialogue and negotiationMore Premier Padel and the FIP respond with threats and attempts to divide the players.

A mobilization for the future of padel

We thank all those who support our sport: sponsors, promoters, fans and partners who believe in the potential of padel. We are not fighting for economic reasons, but for clear rules, impartial management and a stable professional framework. The PPA reaches out to Premier Padel and to the FIP to find a solutionMore We will not allow professional padel to be governed by arbitrariness, insecurity and broken promises.

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.