This is today's news. Via a press release, the FIP informs us that “the Commercial Court No. 15 of Madrid has rejected the request submitted by the World Padel Tour (WPT) to stop Premier Padel Tour and prevent players from participating in this championship, which constitutes a new legal setback for Setpoint, owner of the WPT”.

Here are the most important points of the press release:

“In May 2022, the WPT filed an action in Commercial Court No. 15 in Madrid against the
International Federation of padel (FIP), Professional Players Association (PPA), Qatar Sports
Investments (QSI) and seven players for unfair competition. The WPT sued the defendants for encouraging players to breach the exclusivity obligation in their contracts with the WPT and participate in the tournaments. Premier Padel.

This week Commercial Court No. 15 in Madrid completely rejected these provisional measures, finding that there was no legal basis to do so and also noting that:
● The WPT's existing contracts give it almost absolute control of the sport of padel – due to the combination of WPT exclusivity, blackout periods and other legal measures – making competition impossible.
● Professional players of padel have every right to seek opportunities and better conditions on other circuits. The fact that Premier Padel has improved the conditions for the players is - obviously - not illegal.
● The existence of the WPT as a circuit should be based on open competition, not on players being pressured to be bound by exclusivity.
● Premier Padel does not impose exclusivity or limit the WPT, players regularly playing for both circuits; in fact, the WPT has even increased its schedule since the launch of Premier Padel.
● The new WPT offer to players – without general exclusivity – demonstrates that such exclusivity does not sustain competition, nor is it necessary to organize an international circuit of padel.
● The WPT's offer to withdraw the legal actions against the players if they renew their contract with the WPT proves – in itself – that players' participation in other tours does not harm the WPT.”

Xan is a fan of padel. But also rugby! And his posts are just as punchy. Physical trainer of several padel, he unearths atypical posts or deals with topical subjects. It also gives you some tips to develop your physique for the padel. Clearly, he imposes his offensive style as on the field of padel !

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