Qatar got the World Cup — without being a member of the FIP

It is now clear that Qatar will be elected to the International Padel Federation (FIP). This also means that the country got the World Cup before it was a member of the FIP. 

Qatar-based site The Peninsula writes about the news that Qatar has been inducted into the international padel federation FIP. They will be represented by the Qatari Tennis and Squash Federation within the organization. 

The decision makes it possible for Qatar to host international padel tournaments and participate in other tournaments under the umbrella of the International Padel Federation.

But, the country got the World Cup months ago, without being a Federation member. 

—  It's great, it's really important. I think there have been talks about it for almost a year between our federation and the International Federation. The fact that it's clear is important for Qatar and the padel world. The International Padel Federation needs 70 member countries to get into the Olympics, Mohammed Saadon Alkuwari says to the Swedish site PadelDirekt. 

Mohammed Saadon Alkuwari is Qatar's top padel player and plays together with Spaniard Gonzalo Rubio on FIP Gold in Sweden for the moment. 

— Now that Qatar is coming in, I think there are 54 members in total, so 16 countries left before it can try to become an Olympic sport. That would be great for the sport. Then it's great that Qatar is joining because we're only six months away from hosting the World Championships. It's really great.

Qatar is elected after a meeting in Italy and is thus allowed to both participate in and organize international tournaments organized by the FIP. Luckily, the World Cup will be held in Qatar in mid-November, the 15th World Championship in succession, from 15 to 20 November. 

It has been speculated that Qatar got the championship without even having an official federation. Nothing has been confirmed so far, but with this news, it is at least confirmed that they got the championship without being a member of the FIP. 

The Secretary-general of the Qatar Tennis, Squash and Padel Federation (QTSBF), Tariq Zainal, is pleased with the decision to include Qatar in the community, especially since paddle has been growing in popularity in Qatar recently. 

"The decision is proof that there is international confidence in Qatar's ability as a country to host championships," he continues. 

Qatar has for many years received harsh criticism for its handling of human rights and labor issues - many testify that, among other things, the new giant stadiums that will be ready for the 2022 football World Cup are being built under slave conditions. Over 6,000 migrant workers have reportedly died in the country in recent years, which highlights one of many problems with the emirate of Qatar.