The International Federation of Padel (FIP) and Premier Padel have officially announced a reform of the FIP Tour which will come into effect from the 2027 season. The stated objective is to strengthen the role of the circuit as a stepping stone to the highest level by limiting the access of the highest ranked players to certain categories of tournaments.

However, this development raises a question: will this reform really change the situation?

The best players can still play on the FIP Tour

In 2026, players in the world's Top 10, Top 20, or even Top 4 can still participate in FIP Tour tournaments. However, in practice, their schedule is primarily dedicated to these events. Premier Padel, nothing prevents them from entering a FIP tournament when circumstances allow.

This possibility will also remain valid for certain competitions.

Premier Padel and the FIP are preparing a major reform for 2027: what will change for players

Restrictions starting in 2027

From 2027 onwards, several categories of the FIP Tour will be subject to new access rules.

  •  FIP Gold  : the players ranked in the  Top 4 worldwide  will no longer be able to participate. The ranked players of the  5th to 16th place  attendance will be limited to those with an invitation (wild card).
  •  FIP Silver  : the players of  Male Top 24  and  Women's Top 20  will be excluded.
  •  FIP Bronze  : the players of  Male Top 50  and  Women's Top 40  will no longer be able to register.

However,  FIP Platinum funds are not affected by this reform No restrictions have been announced for this category, which will therefore remain accessible to the best players in the world.

A reform that's more symbolic than a revolution?

On paper, these new rules may seem important. In practice, their impact could be more nuanced.

It is indeed extremely rare to see players in the world's Top 4 participate in a FIP Gold tournament. Their schedule is already largely occupied by the Majors, the P1 and P2 events. Premier PadelThe rare exceptions generally involve a return from injury, a week without a major tournament, or a very specific choice.

The limitation concerning the Top 4 therefore appears more as an officialization of an already existing situation than as a real change.

2027 reform of the FIP and Premier Padel A lot of communication... for ultimately limited changes.

Silver and Bronze players will be the most affected.

The effect of the reform should be felt most strongly on the  FIP Silver  and the  FIP Bronze .

In recent seasons, it was not uncommon to see players ranked in the Top 20, Top 30 or Top 40 in the world participate in these tournaments in order to gain points, regain rhythm or prepare for an important deadline.

From 2027 onwards, these players will have to focus on the higher categories, leaving more room for players who are progressing.

A FIP Tour more focused on development

With this reform, the FIP confirms its desire to make the FIP Tour a true development circuit.

The objective is twofold: to offer more opportunities to players seeking to gradually integrate into the circuit Premier Padel while limiting the presence of players already established at the highest level.

While the reform is not expected to disrupt the operation of the FIP Gold, it has the merit of slightly limiting the FIP Silver and Bronze, which should become even more favorable venues for the emergence of future world padel talents.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.

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