As the debate between the Professional Padel Players Association (PPA) and Premier Padel, along with the International Padel Federation (FIP), reaches its boiling point, one player has dared to challenge the status quo. Franco Stupaczuk, the Argentine player, has made a bold move by signing up for the P2 tournament in Cancun, scheduled to take place from March 10 to 16, alongside his partner Juan Lebrón. This unexpected twist has sparked a lot of debate, prompting Stupaczuk to explain his decision on social media.
Throughout the week, several players have taken to Instagram to criticize those who have chosen to participate in the Gijon and Cancun tournaments, arguing that the boycott should not be used as an opportunity to gain an advantage in the rankings. They believe that unity is the only way to find solutions to their problems. However, this narrative took a drastic turn when, just half an hour before the registration deadline, the number three pair appeared on the list of entrants.
The move has raised some eyebrows, with speculation that Stupaczuk and Lebrón may have ended the boycott to get closer to the number one spot, as no other top-50 duo is participating. Nevertheless, Stupaczuk has issued a statement clarifying his stance. He explains that they initially chose not to sign up for the Gijon P2 as a measure to push for changes in the sport’s regulations, which were altered for 2024. However, he eventually decided to participate in the Cancun tournament after weighing all the factors and trusting that the situation can be resolved through dialogue.
Stupaczuk acknowledges the efforts of the PPA, Premier Padel, FIP, sponsors, and promoters to grow the sport and recognizes that he doesn’t know if not signing up for Gijon was a mistake. He also emphasizes that he respects the decision of those who chose not to participate and asks for the same respect in return. In response to accusations that they are trying to gain an advantage, he proposes that the points from the Cancun P2 not be counted or that they withdraw from another tournament to allow their fellow players to catch up in the rankings. “This is not about points or money; it’s a decision made from a much deeper place,” the Argentine player writes.
Seeking Legal Counsel
One of the most contentious issues in recent weeks is the obligation of players to participate in P2 tournaments. While Premier Padel claims that the contract signed by players commits them to this, the PPA argues that such an imposition does not exist. The circuit has warned of potential legal action, stating that this boycott could have severe consequences for players.
Stupaczuk reveals in his statement that he consulted with a law firm to seek advice on the best course of action. The firm strongly advised him against participating in upcoming tournaments due to the potential legal, civil, commercial, and sports-related risks, as well as the economic and patrimonial consequences that could arise from this decision. He shared this information with other players, who, unlike him, have decided not to participate.
Premier Padel’s Letter to Players
Yesterday, Premier Padel sent a letter to players, signed by David Sugden, Secretary-General of QSI, and Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, offering a meeting in Doha to discuss all open issues. The letter reads: “Dear player, as a follow-up to various personal conversations we’ve had with some of you, in which you’ve expressed your concern about the current situation (a concern we obviously share), and reiterating the messages we’ve conveyed since this situation began, particularly regarding the need for players to fulfill their obligations, we confirm that if normalcy returns to tournaments (both legally and sportively) and you participate in the Cancun P2 in an ordinary manner, and the current collective blockade is aborted, Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation would be willing to hold a face-to-face meeting in Doha, attended by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI); David Sugden, Secretary-General of QSI; Luigi Carraro, President of the FIP, and other relevant stakeholders, to analyze and discuss the current situation with you.”
This development may mark a different path for the players, one that could be an alternative for others to follow in the future, or it might be the beginning of a rift between Stupaczuk, Lebrón, and the rest of the players and the PPA. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds and what implications it will have for the world of padel.