A few months ago, the answer to this question would have been almost obvious. No, the United Arab Emirates is not dangerous in the World Championships in Doha. However, after qualifying for the competition in Kuwait last week… the question arises!

In the final against Australia, The Emiratis won the battle 2/1… against a backdrop of controversy. In fact, the two points were brought back by four Spanish players. Indeed, Arnau Ayats, Iñigo Jofre, Sergio Icardo et Fran Jurado participated in the competition under the flag of the United Arab Emirates. These players now have Emirati nationality.

As a reminder, in 2022, the United Arab Emirates participated in the World Championships… The nation finished 17th (i.e. last) in the tournament. Moreover, The participation of this country had sparked a lively controversy, hence the 17 teams present for these World Championships (instead of 16).

Arnau Ayats and Iñigo Jofre in the United Arab Emirates selection

The situation in Kuwait is already beginning to raise some questions and some controversy because, in the end, any country could use this technique to strengthen its ranks... and therefore to distort the results.

This UAE team will probably have no chance against a team like Spain, Argentina and some European countries. France, Portugal, Sweden or Italy should not tremble too much in front of this nation. However, other teams like Brazil or Mexico could well be surprised by this kind of team.

So far, Australia has not reacted to this defeat in Kuwait. However, a reaction from them is obviously expected...

Gwenaelle Souyri

It was her brother who one day told her to accompany him to a padel court, since then, Gwenaëlle has never left the court. Except when it comes to going to watch the retransmission of Padel Magazine, World Padel Tour… or Premier Padel…or the French Championships. In short, she is a fan of this sport.

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