While the circuit Premier Padel and International Federation of Padel (FIP) had announced major changes for 2025, a wave of protest shook the professional circuit at the start of the season. Officially, it was not a boycott, but rather an "individual choice" of the players, united under the banner of the Professional Padel Association (PPA), to obtain what they were “originally promised.”

A movement initiated by the best players, but followed by an entire circuit

If the leading figures of the circuit were the spearheads of this revolt, the world top 100 and players ranked above have also taken a stand by refusing to participate in several P2 tournaments. The conflict between players and Premier Padel is based on unfulfilled commitments concerning the structuring of the circuit, the playing conditions and the distribution of income.

But the question remains: the FIP and Premier Padel Will they actually take legal action against these players? The threat has been brandished, but it seems difficult to implement, particularly because of the weight of the players concerned. We imagine a legal action for the sake of it which will dissipate with a joint press release from the PPA, Premier Padel and the FIP a little later or even symbolic sanctions... But will some of the PPA's very strong statements fade from memory, particularly with regard to "the leaders" of the FIP?

Luigi Carraro, the President of the FIP accused of being in the pocket of Premier Padel

A strategic backpedaling of Premier Padel

Finally, under pressure, Premier Padel revised his plans for categories P1 and P2, announcing a return to a "more balanced" model for players. This decision can be interpreted as a Partial victory for the PPA, who was able to impose his demands on certain key points of the circuit.

Premier Padel adapts its circuit after player feedback

However, The association of professional players paradoxically emerges weakened from this sequenceThe announced changes do not really benefit him, and in 2025, IPPA (International Padel Players Association) will cover the cost of accommodation in qualifying, a gesture intended to ease tensions among players located beyond the world top 30 and who have been forgotten in this story.

While the men managed to negotiate advances, the women players did not know how. capitalize on the general movementThe protest remained limited among women.

This difference in mobilization will therefore be paid for in practice.

A circuit still in full mutation

If this period has proven one thing, it is that players have real power of influence, capable of bending Premier Padel on some aspects. But the tensions between the circuit and the players' association remain alive, and this forced truce may not last.

Professional padel continues to evolve, with power relations constantly being redefined. It remains to be seen if Premier Padel will be able, in the long term, to reconcile the demands of players and the economic imperatives of its development.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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