Professional padel players, represented by the Professional Padel Association (PPA), have decided not to participate in the P2 tournament of Gijón. Faced with accusations of boycott, they explain their position in an official press release. The cause: unilateral decisions at International Federation of Padel (FIP) and regulation deemed insufficient de Premier PadelThis refusal highlights the growing tensions between players and the governing bodies of padel, while the sport aspires to a olympic recognition.

Press release from the Professional Padel Association (PPA) :

Professional padel players, represented by the PPA, wish to clarify the reasons for their decision not to participate in the P2 tournament of Gijón. In view of the information that has been released in recent days, it is essential to correct certain untruths and to expose the problems that affect the circuit and the proper regulation of the sport.

Madrid, February 21, 2025 – Following the various publications and leaks concerning the P2 tournament of Gijón, professional padel players want to express, through the PPA, the reasons which led them to decide individually and freely not to participate in this competition.

In the first place, no organized boycott of the tournament has not been initiated by the PPA, contrary to the assertions relayed by the FIP et Premier Padel. This claim is contradicted by the circular 2/2025 addressed to the members of the PPA, which explicitly supported the players wishing to take part in the tournament. It is important to remember that participation in tournaments P2 is optional, leaving each player free to choose whether or not to participate.

Players wish play, but not at any price. Aware of the consequences of their decision, they nevertheless refuse to accept the questionable practices implemented by the FIP, the world regulator of padel, and tolerated by Premier Padel, organizer of the circuit. These deviations could lead to irreversible consequences for a sport that aspires to recognition Olympic.

For a long time, players have been demanding FIP an organization and regulation of padel respecting the principles of legality, fairness, neutrality and transparency. These requests are regularly ignored or justified by arguments deemed unacceptable by the players. The lack of professionalization and coherent organization of the circuit leads to a constant frustration among sports actors.

Points raised by players

The players denounce several unilateral decisions that affect their profession and justify their position:

  • Unilateral change to the points system : The FIP changed the ranking rules in the middle of the 2025 season, creating a obvious inequality between tournaments of the same category which distribute a different number of points depending on their date. To date, no clear regulations does not govern these changes, which results in a legal uncertainty for players. A serious reform is necessary to avoid this management based on improvisation, which could compromise the integration of the FIP au International Olympic Committee.
  • Lack of regulation of Premier Padel : After three years of existence, Premier Padel still does not have a precise regulatory framework governing player participation, a situation that has been denounced on several occasions.
  • Conflict of interest within the FIP : The FIP acts both as sports regulator and like business partner of Premier Padel, which calls into question its neutrality and leads to a clear conflict of interest. Priority appears to be given to business goals to the detriment of a transparent and fair management padel.

A lack of commitment from Premier Padel

Many commitments made by Premier Padel remain unfulfilled, as the circuit begins its fourth season. This situation generates a feeling of weariness among players, who notice a lack of rigor and commitment from Premier Padel and FIP.

Players' demands cannot be resolved than through open dialogue. The PPA, as a representative of the players, insists on the need to targeted discussions, addressing the real concerns of athletes, rather than vague and general negotiations, as proposed by the FIP et Premier Padel.

A total commitment to padel

Professional players reaffirm their willingness to play and share their passion with fans. However, they ask for a fair and consistent regulation of sport, while respecting the freedom of each player to choose the tournaments in which they wish to participate.

They would like to thank promoters, supporters and brands who support padel, ensuring that they are fully committed to their side.

La PPA and the players maintain their firm but cooperative position towards the FIP and its business partners, believing that the latter, like the players, are victims of failing governance padel.

This press release aims to explain the motivations players and to encourage a deep thinking on the governance and evolution of padel.

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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