The International Padel Federation partners with the International Testing Agency for independent anti-doping management

The International Padel Federation (FIP) has partnered with the International Testing Agency (ITA) to assist with the independent management of its entire anti-doping program — a move that underscores its strong commitment to clean sport, athlete welfare, and the integrity of professional padel as it grows globally.

Under this agreement, the ITA will assume full responsibility for all areas of the FIP’s anti-doping program, ensuring its independent implementation in strict accordance with the World Anti-Doping Code and its International Standards. The program includes the development and implementation of a robust test distribution plan based on a thorough risk assessment tailored to the specificities of padel. This will enable intelligence-led targeted in-competition and out-of-competition testing activities for international-level padel athletes throughout the year and during high-level competitions, including Premier Padel, the leading official professional padel tour worldwide, and CUPRA FIP Tour events.

In addition, the ITA will manage the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) program, which allows for the longitudinal monitoring of selected biological variables to support the detection of potential doping practices. All results management will be handled independently by the ITA, ensuring impartiality and due process in the event of potential anti-doping rule violations.

The administration of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) will also be handled by the ITA, with applications assessed by a panel of independent medical experts through the ITA’s International Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (iTUEC). This ensures that athletes with legitimate medical conditions can receive access to necessary treatment while maintaining the integrity of the anti-doping system.

Furthermore, the ITA will provide the FIP with expertise in intelligence and investigations, integrating non-analytical information into its clean sport strategy to support a more targeted and effective anti-doping program.

A key component of the partnership is a comprehensive four-year education strategy, led by the ITA in close collaboration with the FIP. The program includes the development of a sport-specific education plan and the delivery of targeted activities such as webinars and event-based education at Premier Padel tournaments and major competitions. It also provides general education support for athletes and their entourages, and includes a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure the effectiveness and reach of the program over time. These efforts are designed to foster a strong culture of clean sport within the sport.

“The health of athletes, the integrity of every FIP competition, and the message about fairness and integrity in sport we convey to younger generations are the cornerstones of our daily mission”, said FIP President Luigi Carraro.  “We are committed to clean sport and to upholding the values of social connection and sharing that make padel a truly special and unique sport, especially considering how rapidly it has spread across the globe”.

“The agreement with ITA for the comprehensive management of FIP’s anti-doping program is founded on the principles inspired by the Olympic Charter and a profound respect for the rules of sport. ITA’s commitment, alongside FIP, represents a decisive step toward the future of padel and provides a solid guarantee for its continued growth”.

This partnership represents a strong statement by the FIP in support of clean sport at a pivotal moment in padel’s evolution. As a young and fast-growing discipline gaining traction across continents, padel is positioning itself as a sport where fair play, athlete protection, and integrity are fundamental values. By joining forces with the ITA, the FIP ensures that its anti-doping program is managed independently, transparently, and to the highest international standards.

“We are very pleased to welcome the International Padel Federation to the ITA community”, said ITA Director General Benjamin Cohen. “Padel is an exciting, dynamic sport that is growing at an exceptional pace. With this partnership, the FIP is showing leadership by placing clean sport and athlete health at the centre of its development. Padel athletes will now benefit from a professional, high-quality anti-doping program built on independence, scientific expertise, and fairness. We commend the FIP for its commitment to protecting the integrity of its competitions and ensuring a level playing field for all”.

With this collaboration now underway, the ITA and FIP are laying the groundwork for a clean and fair future in padel, ensuring that the sport continues to grow on a foundation of trust, transparency, and athlete protection – which is key in supporting its future Olympic ambitions.