Swiss Padel understands the disappointment and frustration of the players affected by the recent situation surrounding the men’s national team. Representing Switzerland is a privilege and an ambition we deeply respect.
It is important, however, to clarify that not all members of the men’s national team were affected by the underlying situation. Following the decision concerning the affected players, the men’s national team subsequently decided not to participate without those players. We respect that decision, while also recognising the disappointment experienced by everyone involved.
However, the events of recent weeks cannot be viewed in isolation.
For more than 20 years, Swiss Padel has worked to build and develop padel in Switzerland, long before the sport reached the popularity it enjoys today. Swiss Padel has been the Swiss association recognised by the International Padel Federation (FIP) since 2007. Throughout this journey, countless volunteers, officials, clubs and players have contributed to building the sport.
In recent years, Swiss Tennis has established parallel padel structures in Switzerland without integrating the existing FIP-recognised national association, Swiss Padel. This has increasingly divided the sport across clubs, competitions, governance and ultimately the national-team environment. Some national players have also chosen to support the Swiss Tennis structure. We respect every player’s right to their own view, but these developments form an important part of the wider context in which the current situation has unfolded.
The consequences we are seeing today cannot therefore be reduced to one decision or one individual. They are the result of a much broader development that has taken place over several years and has increasingly fragmented Swiss padel.
Representing Switzerland internationally also comes with responsibilities towards the recognised national federation and the structures under which international participation is governed. Swiss Padel has a responsibility to protect the integrity of these structures and fulfil its international obligations as the recognised FIP member federation.
Swiss Padel will not engage in personal accusations or public disputes with its players. Our responsibility is to protect the integrity and future of Swiss padel while respecting the interests of athletes, clubs and everyone who has contributed to the development of the sport.
The current situation has made one thing clear: the fragmentation of Swiss padel cannot continue indefinitely. These difficult events should also provide an opportunity to address the underlying issues openly and find a sustainable way forward that respects international governance, the history of padel in Switzerland and the legitimate interests of players and clubs.
– Swiss Padel
