What Is FIP? The International Padel Federation — a navy infographic poster with a padel player on a blue indoor court, a glowing globe and international federation flags
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Padel · Sports

What Is FIP? The Federation Shaping Padel’s Future

By Hamidreza Sarbazi · Published October 31, 2026 · Dubai

What Is FIP? The Federation Shaping Padel's Future

From official rankings to junior competitions, here's why the International Padel Federation matters to every padel player.

Where did FIP begin?

The International Padel Federation (FIP) was founded in Madrid on July 12, 1991 by the national padel associations of Argentina, Spain and Uruguay. Today, FIP is the international governing body responsible for helping the sport develop across countries and generations.

What does FIP actually do?

FIP oversees the official rules and international rankings, coordinates major competitions, and supports the development of players, coaches and referees. Its competition ecosystem includes Premier Padel, the CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises for younger players and FIP Beyond for amateur participation.

For a young player, that means a clearer competitive pathway. For a coach, it means education and standards. For fans, it means a sport with a recognizable international structure.

Three figures worth knowing in 2026

According to the FIP World Padel Report 2026:

  • More than 40 million people play padel worldwide.
  • The sport is played in 191 countries and territories.
  • More than 91,200 courts were counted, with court numbers growing 20.4% year over year.

These figures show how rapidly the game has expanded, while also reminding us why coaching quality and player development matter as much as new facilities.

What is new?

On October 20, 2026, FIP and Premier Padel officially recognized World Padel Day. FIP also continues to advocate for possible Olympic inclusion, although padel is not confirmed as a Brisbane 2032 Olympic sport.

Why should recreational players care?

You do not need to play professionally to benefit from a stronger international federation. Standardized rules, qualified coaching, accessible competitions and junior development all help make padel more enjoyable and sustainable.

My take: the future of padel will not be measured only by how many courts we build. It will be measured by how many people learn properly, keep playing and feel part of the sport.

Author and original publication

Author: Hamidreza Sarbazi
Published: October 31, 2026
Original publisher: HamidrezaSarbazi.com
Canonical article: https://hamidsarbazi.com/blog/what-is-fip-international-padel-federation-2026

Share this article by linking to the original and crediting Hamidreza Sarbazi. For padel coaching and learning resources, explore coaching and courses.

Sources

  1. FIP — Who We Are
  2. FIP — History of Padel
  3. FIP World Padel Report 2026
  4. FIP — World Padel Day announcement, October 20, 2026

The numerical claims are attributed to FIP's own reports. Commentary on player development and coaching is the author's interpretation.

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