The 2025 French Interclub Championships ended after three days of intense competition. Stéphane Berrafato looks back on this edition marked by regulatory adjustments, debates around the presence of players, as well as an increasing professionalization of the circuit. A look back at the key points of this championship and the developments to come.

A championship in evolution

This championship being at its fourth edition, adjustments are still necessary. Concerning the license regulations, some players like Dylan Guichard were unable to participate due to late affiliation to their club. Despite this, the majority of players complied with the rules. Changes could be considered for the next edition, particularly with the arrival of a national 2 which will follow the same format as this year.

Mandatory presence of players and regulation of rankings

One topic that has been particularly controversial this year is teams registering licensed but absent players. The aim is to improve their position in the heads of series, this raised questions of fairness. A mandatory attendance The best players starting on Friday morning for men and in the afternoon for women could be imposed from the 2026 edition.

A team forced to abandon

A team withdrew after starting the competition with seven players, which was the rule. Following the injury of Justin Lopez and the unavailability of Nicolas Molinero, the workforce has been reduced to five players, insufficient number to continue. A official package was therefore recorded, and the team finished eighth, retaining his rank thanks to his victory in the first round.

Arbitration: a contested fact of the game

A arbitral decision sparked reactions during a women's match. Without chair umpires, management is based on track supervisors and referees, authorized to decide in the event of a dispute. A club has contested a decision, but it remains irrevocable, like a penalty whistled in football.

Thinking about the order of matches

Le pair ranking remains a topic of discussion. Some teams invest in high-level players and want to ensure that pair 1 always plays in the first or second rotation. Another idea, inspired by the World and European Championships, would consist of draw lots the order of matches, allowing more stratégies and coaching.

I remind you that today it is the club which will position its pairs and find the right combinations.

Outlook and regulatory adjustments

New measures are being considered, including:

  • The adjustment of the points scales for team competitions.
  • The creation of a P50 from the start of the 2026 school year.
  • A reflection on the tournament coaching, a regularly debated subject.

All these proposals will be studied in federal padel commission, made of 14 regional representatives and validated by the federal office.

Professionalization in progress

The 2025 edition highlighted a increasing professionalization of the circuit, with clubs using physiotherapists, like the tennis with the Pro A and Pro B. Currently limited to 24 clubs, the final phase could evolve in the future.

The dates of all the French Padel Championships 2025

A busy calendar for 2025

The next major events of the French circuit include:

  • March 1st and 2nd : tournament at B14.
  • P2000 to Esprit Padel.
  • Regional phases: March 15-16, 2025.
  • Interregional phase on March 29 and 30.
  • P2000 in Cabriès.

The season promises to be intense, with also more than ten FIP tournaments in the program.

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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