Un earthquake shakes professional padel. The A1 circuit Padel, until now headed by the Monegasque businessman Fabrice Pastor, would be in the process of coming under the control of the group Weare54, supported by Saudi investments. A new chapter opens, with gigantic ambitions: rebuild a world circuit able to compete head-on Premier Padel, official FIP circuit financed by Qatar.

Premier Padel weakened, Saudi Arabia in ambush

This Saudi strategic move is not happening by chance. It comes at a time of major crisis for Premier Padel, which saw several of the world's best players criticize the benchmark circuit, generating a climate of instability unpublished since its creation. In addition to this, there are the recurring criticism from a large part of the professional circuit, including many players outside the top 20, denouncing a lack of fairness, an overly rigid organization and an unequal distribution of resources.

Tensions in Professional Padel: A boycott with serious consequences?

clearly, Saudi Arabia intends to capitalize on this moment of fragility to establish itself as a new key player in world padel. The idea is clear: take advantage of this gap to impose a credible alternative, with a circuit built on new foundations and colossal means.

To Premier PadelThe season is definitely not starting under the best auspices. While the circuit was hoping to finally kick off its year free from controversy, it now has to face a major threat. Qatar will have to organize quickly: a competitor with equally unlimited resources seems ready to upset the balance of world padel.

Towards the end of the boycott on the circuit Premier Padel ?

A global sports offensive

This project is part of a broader international outreach strategy led by Riyadh. The kingdom is multiplying events to strengthen its image in the world of sport. On December 11, 2024, theSaudi Arabia has been officially announced as the host country for the 2034 FIFA World Cup., during the FIFA Extraordinary Congress. And in 2025, it will host the first e-sports Olympic Games, confirming its desire to establish itself in all disciplines, from football to gaming, and now including padel.

An uncertain future for A1 Padel and his players

Behind the scenes, the consequences of this shift are already visible: massive layoffs, tournament suspensions, fuzzy communicationThe San Juan Masters has been canceled, and several players are in the dark about their pay. The alarming message published by Aitor Lanz, former number two of A1 Padel, then quickly deleted, highlighted the tense economic reality of the circuit.

For players, it's uncertainty: What place for them in this restructuring? ? And above all, will they be able to trust a new circuit still under construction?

An ambitious, but risky project

The Saudi investors' goal is to build a structured, competitive, and attractive circuit for both players and sponsors. Attractive salaries, spectacular tournaments, and international outreach: all the ingredients are there to shake up the established orderBut the challenge is considerable: convincing the best players, guaranteeing lasting stability and asserting oneself against an already well-established structure.

A reorganization of world padel?

The current dynamic suggests a complete recomposition of the professional padel landscapeThe Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia duel, already prominent in other disciplines, is now entering the world of padel. And behind this geopolitical rivalry, the future of an entire sport could be redefined.

Stay tuned…

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I wish the entire Padel Magazine has been trying to offer you the best of padel since 2013, but also surveys and analyses to try to understand the world of padel. From the game to the politics of our sport, Padel Magazine is at your service.

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