The Professional Association of Padel Players (PPA) has issued a statement explaining why many of its members have decided not to participate in the Gijón P2 Premier Padel tournament, which will be held next week.
The PPA categorically denies that a collective boycott of the Gijón P2 tournament has been promoted, pointing out that the decision has been taken individually by each player. The Association supports both those who have chosen to compete and those who have preferred not to do so, recalling that participation in P2 category tournaments is voluntary.
The statement emphasises that the players’ absence is not a refusal to play, but a stance of protest against what they consider to be the inadequate management of the International Padel Federation (FIP) and, to a lesser extent, Premier Padel. The players have expressed their concern about the lack of clear regulation and unilateral decision-making that affects the professionalisation of the circuit.
Reasons for the protest
Among the points that justify the players’ position, the following stand out:
- Unilateral modification of the points system: The FIP has changed the points distribution system for the 2025 season, allowing tournaments in the same category to award different scores depending on their date of celebration. This creates a lack of legal certainty for the players.
- Lack of regulation in Premier Padel: After three years of activity, the circuit still does not have clear regulations governing player participation, which adds uncertainty to their professional future.
- Conflict of interest in the FIP: The Federation, as well as being the governing body of the sport, is also a partner of Premier Padel, which according to the players generates an obvious conflict of interest that threatens the neutrality and fairness in the management of the circuit.
- Failure to meet expectations: The PPA denounces that Premier Padel has not fulfilled several promises made to the players since its creation, which has generated a growing uneasiness within the circuit.
This is the statement that the Professional Players Association has published:
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The PPA calls for dialogue with the FIP and Premier Padel
Despite their critical stance, the players remain committed to the development of padel and to supporting the promoters, fans and brands that sustain the sport. The PPA advocates for an open and effective dialogue with the FIP and Premier Padel to solve the existing problems in a concrete and not superficial way.
At a time when padel aspires to become an Olympic sport, the players consider it essential that fair and transparent regulations are implemented. Without good governance, they warn, the inclusion of padel in the International Olympic Committee will be unfeasible.
With this statement, the players belonging to the PPA hope not only to explain their decision not to attend next week’s Gijón P2, but also to encourage deep reflection on the future of the sport and its proper regulation.
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