This is the new soap opera that is shaking up the padel planet: the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has put padel on its agenda, which is not not really to the taste of the International Federation of Padel (FIP).

After the FIP complaint, it is now the Professional Padel Players Association (PPA), through its lawyer Alejandro Villaverde, who is sending a letter to the president of the ITF (Dave Haggerty) to express its dissatisfaction.

Translated excerpts.

“A lack of respect for the players”

“We are sending you this urgent letter after being made aware – not by you, oddly enough – of your hostile intentions, as President of the ITF, towards padel. (…) It is quite astonishing that all of a sudden the ITF is seeking to take over the governance of our sport – when the ITF has no connection with the management or development of our sport to date. We also find it very curious that you are attempting to do so without seeking to collaborate at any time with the players, our athletes – the engine of this sport. Such an oversight not only shows your desire to take control quietly; but also your lack of respect for the players.”

“The players strongly oppose this attempted takeover by the ITF”

“Padel may have suddenly become interesting to the ITF, given its incredible growth in recent years. However, if you do some research you will see that padel has been proudly an independent sport for over three decades. Furthermore, padel already has its own governing body, the FIP, which has been running the sport for over 30 years, despite attempts by private companies to replace it. To be sure, the players are firmly opposed to any attempt by tennis to take over padel – which would make padel a second-class sport and would – quite clearly – only serve to mask the deficiencies and problems that the ITF is experiencing elsewhere.”

“Finally we want to affirm our unconditional support to the FIP as the sole governing body of padel; and please take note that the PPA will stand by its international federation in any legal matter that may arise from your illicit and illegitimate attempt to govern our beloved sport.”

As you will have understood, professional players do not want a change in governance and they make it known vigorously!

Xan is a fan of padel. But also of rugby! And his posts are just as punchy. Physical trainer of several padel players, he finds atypical posts or deals with current topics. He also gives you some advice to develop your physique for padel. Clearly, he imposes his offensive style as on the padel court!

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