The International Federation of Padel (FIP), officially announces the creation of a new international circuit with the support of the Players Association (PPA) and a major new investment from Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).

On been expecting it for a few days, the FIP and QSI announce the creation of this new circuit, which will begin this season.

Here is the press release:

LAUSANNE, BARCELONA, LONDON, PARIS, DOHA, NEW YORK, BUENOS AIRES - Tuesday February 1, 2022 - The Federation International de Padel (FIP), the instance executive du padel worldwide, announcement today the opening of a new chapter in the history of this sport with the official and immediate launch of a
new international circuit of padel.

This international tour will be fully regulated by FIP, backed by the world's best players and will benefit from a major new strategic partnership with Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). It will be the only official tournament in the sport of padel.

This brand new circuit will be based on a new calendar bringing together international competitions and national events, including four first category events (often called “majors”), which will take place at the within the most spectacular venues in the world. 10 major tournaments are planned at least in 2022 and 2023, with a first major tournament expected in March, followed by more than 25 tournaments major events per year by 2024. All additional details such as dates, locations, prize money, sponsors and diffusers will be revealed soon.

It is important to note that this new circuit constitutes the one and only official circuit under the governance and regulation of the FIP, thus benefiting from the official classification system of the Federation, while being also under the aegis of the international sports community and institutions.

This new chapter for the padel, under the direction of the FIP, is marked by the professionalization, and the globalization of this sport, supported by the main international players represented by the Association professional players (Professional Players Association – PPA), and a new strategic partnership internationally with Qatar Sports Investments. QSI is an investment fund behind several brands and sporting activities in the world, which will bring expertise and business acumen unique in developing sports and brands internationally.

To contribute to this transformation of padel, a new commercial entity was created in order to focus on key topics such as the international organization of the tournament, a new business model (revision of television, digital and sponsorship rights revenues), a dynamic new brand world for sport and its tournaments, improving the well-being of players, sports infrastructure and of prize money ; or in general, the revolution of commercial success and the global visibility of padel
on the long term.

Regarding governance, player representatives will sit on various committees of this new business entity, directly contributing to shaping the future of their sport. Le padel is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with over 25 million players (a figure that has doubled over the last five years), men and women equally, of all ages and of all origins. In several countries, this sport has become the most popular discipline after soccer. In recent years, FIP has implemented œimplement ambitious projects so that this sport integrates the Olympic Games from Los Angeles 2028.

Luigi Carraro, President of the International Federation of padel (FIP), said : “Today is a day history for the padel which, for the first time, will become fully regulated and professionalized at the international. Finally, our sport has the freedom to shape its destiny, and under the governance of the FIP, we We will develop this sport all over the world at all levels - both for beginners, amateurs, young people and professionals padel. Today is also a historic day for our players and our national federations, which for the very first time will be placed at the cœheart of the development of this sport. And we couldn't be luckier to have such an experienced, innovative and creative strategic partner than QSI, who will be able to lead this sport to the highest levels of excellence and success, both on the field and in out. There couldn't be a more exciting time for the padel. "

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, adds : “The world has only seen the visible part of the iceberg of what the padel can accomplish on the world stage. The players of padel are among the the most talented and inspiring athletes in the world of sport. It is time for this spectacular sport and its incredible athletes are showcased to fans around the world, and that this sport finally reaches its commercial and sporting potential under the direction and governance of the International Federation of padel. QSI is proud to build and shape the long-term future of padel – and to create something unique for supporters – in partnership with the Federation and its players.”

Alejandro Galán, president of the Association of Professional Players (PPA), concludes: "It's no exaggeration to admit that this new entity is a real transformation for the padel. Our favorite sport will reach new heights thanks to the active role of the players in defining the future of the sport, while being regulated and managed by the executive body of the padel worldwide, the FIP. Finally, thanks to QSI, our sport and our players will benefit from the necessary investment, support, expertise and know-how to bring the padel on the international stage – where it belongs.”

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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