The Premier Padel tournament in Gijón has been thrown into turmoil as players have confirmed their boycott of the event. Despite last-minute efforts by Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation (FIP) to resolve the conflict, the players have remained steadfast in their protest.
The deadline for player registration passed on February 14, 2025, with none of the top 50 players signing up for the tournament. This boycott is a response to several grievances the players have with the circuit, including the number of tournaments counted for rankings, participation in the CUPRA FIP Tour, and the size of P1 tournament draws.
In a bid to address these issues, Premier Padel and the FIP had called for a meeting with the players on February 13, 2025. During this meeting, they promised to draft a document outlining their commitment to negotiate the players’ demands. However, despite these assurances, the players decided to proceed with the boycott.
The boycott has significant implications for Premier Padel, potentially affecting sponsorship contracts, investments, and even the sport’s image with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The organizers have expressed their disappointment and are considering legal action against the players.
The city of Gijón, which was set to host the tournament, has also been impacted by the boycott. The Municipal Sports Board and the city council have confirmed the event will still take place, but they are renegotiating the terms of their sponsorship with the organizers.
As the situation unfolds, the focus will be on finding a resolution that satisfies both the players and the organizers. The boycott highlights the ongoing tensions within professional padel and the need for open dialogue and cooperation to ensure the sport’s growth and success.
