Multiplication of FIP tournaments: the organizers' headache

The multiplication of FIP tournaments during the same period can create a complex situation for organizers. At the end of the month, four FIP tournaments will take place simultaneously in Spain, France, Belgium and Chile. This concentration leads to a distribution of players over several events, with three tournaments of the same category in Europe.

Player distribution

The geographical proximity of these tournaments creates direct competition to attract players. The organizers face a significant risk: that of not bringing together a sufficiently competitive field to justify the investments made. The absence of certain players, who prefer to participate in events closer to home or who are on vacation, aggravates this situation.

The Bandol FIP Rise, located on the port of Bandol in France and known for its final stages taking place in public on the port, is expected to attract a large number of participants. Although it was successful in attracting players, the proximity to other tournaments led some to choose to travel to Belgium, where another tournament of the same category is held. Traditionally, Belgian players came to France for the rare events organized in France, but this year, the trend seems to be reversing.

Consequences for FIP tournaments

The situation is not without consequences. French players choose not to participate in the Bandol tournament, some preferring to play in Belgium due to Belgian partners. Likewise, Spanish players, who could have moved to the south of France, prefer to play in their country of origin.

Obviously, that won't stop the FIP Rise in Bandol from being a magnificent tournament but it's a shame to see that the general environment really doesn't help the organizers.

The International Federation of Padel is criticized for this management of tournaments, which seems to neglect the concerns of the organizers. “The FIP benefits from the fact that there are many new promoters who don't know the behind the scenes, and that's a shame” we explain backstage. The organizers invest enormously in these events and feel a lack of listening from the federation, which could have repercussions on the future of the tournaments, the quality of the tournaments and local partnerships in the circuit. Because obviously, the only one that remains a winner in this affair is the FIP which for its own partners and its finances therefore plays against the organizers.

Matthias Héjja-Brichard

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