Elected to theunanimity, José Luis Rodríguez Piris takes the reins of the Spanish Federation of PadelA mandate that begins in a sensitive context, between internal reorganization and major sporting decisions to come.

A long-awaited election

After several months of institutional uncertainty, the Spanish Federation of Padel Finally, they have their new president. José Luis Rodríguez Piris was unanimously elected by the General Assembly, bringing together players, coaches, clubs and referees, during a session held in Madrid.

A clear and indisputable result, a stark contrast to the unstable atmosphere surrounding previous attempts. The electoral process, launched in the fall of 2024, had been hampered by several successive postponements due to scheduling issues, quorum problems, and administrative appeals. This time, the 40 members present spoke with one voice.

Facing him, the other candidate, Manuel Fernández Prado, received no votes. Absent from the Assembly, the president of the Galician Football Federation is currently facing disciplinary issues, which weighed heavily in the outcome.

A federal profile, discreet but experienced

Aged 58 and originally from Bilbao, Rodríguez Piris arrives in Madrid with a career firmly rooted in the world of federations. At the helm of the Extremadura Federation since 2020, a position to which he was recently reappointed, he has forged a reputation as a methodical manager, more a man of action than of pronouncements.

A civil servant in the central administration, specializing in human resources, he is familiar with the institutional workings and political dynamics specific to sports federations. A former padel player, he gradually moved into leadership positions starting in 2016, joining regional bodies before reaching the national level.

He thus succeeds Ramón Morcillo, president since 2020, who had been serving as interim head of the management commission since September 2024.

A first decision with great significance

Barely installed, Rodríguez Piris will quickly have to address a pressing issue: the succession of'Icíar Montes at the helm of the women's national team. A significant choice, given the substantial legacy of the former coach.

With the World Championship just a few months away in November, Spain will have to defend its title with an exceptionally talented squad, but also with fierce internal competition. Some key players seem undisputed, like Bea González, Gem TriayAri Sánchez, Paula Jose Maria or Claudia Fernandez, while other places remain open.

Marta Ortega appears as a natural option given his international experience, but Andrea's profile Usterus captivated by its freshness and creativity. The possible return of Alejandra Salazar, just like Tamara's applications icardo or Martina Calvo on the left, they add even more to the complexity of the equation.

The Spanish women's team at the FIP World Padel Championships in Doha Padel Championships
The Spanish women's team at the FIP World Padel Championships in Doha Padel Championships

A term that begins under high tension

Between restoring stable governance and guiding a women's national team on its way to a seventh consecutive world title, José Luis Rodríguez Piris will not have the luxury of a smooth transition. His first major sporting decision will reveal much about his vision and his ability to ensure continuity, rather than simply managing the status quo.

Spain is dominant, certainly. But at this level of excellence, every decision counts.

Maceo ZERHAT

Maceo Zerhat discovered padel in 2020 at Domaine De Clairis in Burgundy. He contributed to the club's expansion by bringing his energy and curiosity. Padel Magazinehe transmits his antoushiasme and his " Padel"mania" by skillfully bouncing on all the latest news about your favorite sport!

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