Professional padel players have recently decided to boycott the Gijon P2 event, leading to significant controversy within the sport. The Professional Padel Association (PPA), representing the players, has cited several reasons for this decision. One of the primary concerns is the unilateral decisions made by the International Federation of Padel (FIP) and the perceived lack of regulation by Premier Padel.
Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the circuit’s lack of professionalization and coherence. They argue that the current system does not uphold standards of legality, fairness, impartiality, and transparency. A significant issue raised by the players is the recent modification to the points system. In the middle of the 2025 season, the FIP changed the ranking criteria, causing tournaments in the same category to award different points based on their dates. This alteration has been criticized for creating an unfair competitive environment.
Another point of contention is the lack of participation and consultation in decision-making processes. Players are calling for a greater say in how the sport is run and governed to ensure their opinions are heard and their concerns addressed. The boycott has highlighted the growing tensions between padel players and the governing bodies, emphasizing the need for a more open and equitable competitive environment as the sport strives for Olympic status.
The situation remains fluid, and it will be interesting to see how the governing organizations respond to the players’ demands and whether any changes will be made to address their concerns.
