FIP postpones London Intercontinental Cup to 2026

June 18, 2025
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FIP postpones Intercontinental Cup

 

The International Padel Federation (FIP) has announced that the inaugural Intercontinental Cup, due to be held in London next month, has been postponed until 2026. 

 

In announcing the news, the federation said the decision has been taken ‘following discussions with promoters and in light of the congested player workload this summer period. The format, venue and major partners will be announced soon’.

 

Although not confirmed, The Bandeja understands the event will ‘almost certainly’ be hosted by London next year.

 

Organisers had been in discussion with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (for electric-powered race cars), with a partnership ready to roll out. The 2025 London E-Prix is scheduled for July 26-27 at Excel and it looks likely that would have been the venue for the Intercontinental Cup.

 

A spokesman added: “Our commitment to delivering a high-quality tournament experience, with stronger participation between our partners and promoters, will ultimately benefit the competition and its long-term success. The additional time will ensure we deliver an unforgettable UK-based tournament, providing British padel fans with the opportunity to see the best professional players in action and an incredible experience which they deserve.”

 

Given the event was little more than a month away, discussion (and excitement) had been growing in the padel community about where the tournament would be held and which elite players would be participating. An update was anticipated this week. The postponement will disappoint many padel fans keen to see top flight padel on British shores.

 

The cup – the equivalent of tennis’s Laver Cup and golf’s Ryder Cup – was due to take place biennially, with elite and emerging players from the Americas competing against Europe in iconic sporting venues.

 

READ MORE: FIP announces Intercontinental Cup
Padel's Intercontinental Cup postponed
In revealing the postponement, FIP also updated on strategic developments. Its announcment in full:
 

‘Premier Padel, the leading official professional padel tour worldwide, and the International Padel Federation (FIP), are pleased to announce a series of strategic developments and long-term renewals across the Tour – reinforcing the global growth and momentum of professional padel at the highest level.

 

The Premier Padel Majors in Italy, France, and Qatar – three of the most iconic events on the global professional calendar – have all renewed their place on the circuit. The Italy Major (Rome – Foro Italico), Paris Major (Paris – Stade Roland-Garros), and Qatar Major (Doha – Khalifa Complex) will continue as key milestones on the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, with multiyear agreements now in place. These commitments are further evidence of the rapid and sustainable growth of padel around the world – also underscored by a global 30% jump in Premier Padel broadcast viewership in 2025.
 
Premier Padel also confirms that Octagon Spain will manage all Premier Padel tournaments in Spain until 2032. With the country a heartland for the sport, this agreement marks a major step in ensuring continued excellence and innovation across these tournaments, delivering world-class events for both players and fans.
 
These developments follow the incredible BNL Italy Major Premier Padel tournament at the Foro Italico (8–15 June 2025), and recent meetings between FIP President Luigi Carraro and both International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and incoming President Kirsty Coventry, highlighting continued collaborative effort to advance padel on its Olympic pathway.
 
This weekend, Premier Padel also partnered with FIFA – the global governing body of football – in hosting a padel event for world football stakeholders at PadelX club in Miami ahead of the launch of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Premier Padel is planning other exhibitions with major sports bodies over the coming months.
 
Strong progress has also been made with new strategic partner Hexagon Cup, which is advancing toward official FIP recognition, with discussions underway to expand the tournament into new and emerging padel markets.
 
Premier Padel Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said: “The renewal of our Major tournaments in Rome, at Roland Garros, and in Doha is a powerful endorsement of Premier Padel’s long-term vision and global appeal. These milestones reflect not only the continued rise of our sport, but also the deepening strength, stability and growth of the professional tour.”
 
FIP President Luigi Carraro said: “It’s fantastic to see the calendar mature into a stable, long-term roadmap – forming the backbone of the professional sport. Developments such as the FIP Junior World Cup also show how we are working to support the entire pyramid, strengthening padel for all levels for the benefit of everyone. From our collaboration with major international stakeholders to the continued growth of grassroots and youth competitions – we are building an inclusive sport with deep foundations in communities around the world. All of this contributes to our long-term Olympic ambition, which was underscored by the recent visit of IOC President Thomas Bach and incoming President Kirsty Coventry – a moment of great pride and encouragement for the entire padel family.”
 
Premier Padel and the FIP, announce further calendar updates:
  • Cupra Germany Premier Padel P2 confirmed to take place at the Castello D-Live in Dusseldorf from 22nd – 28th September 2025. More information to follow including an update on the exciting investor group behind the tournament.
  • Cupra Costa Daurada Tarragona Premier Padel P1 indoor tournament confirmed for 28th July – 3rd August 2025 at the Palau Esports Catalunya – Anella Mediterrania, the site that hosted the Mediterranean Games. This venue not only brings the high-level sporting heritage of Catalonia but also a unique Mediterranean atmosphere that will provide a spectacular setting for players and fans alike.
  • FIP Junior World Cup Costa Daurada Reus confirmed to take place from 29th September – 4th October in Reus, Spain. 🎾

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