After the change of host country: FIP considers having 17(!) teams in the World Cup

The International Padel Federation (FIP) moved the World Championships from Doha and Qatar to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates just over a month before the championship will start. 

The question was who would get the last spot intended for the host country.

According to information provided to Padel Alto, the new host country, the United Arab Emirates, will get the last spot. But the FIP is also considering, according to a credible source, making an extra place in the World Cup and awarding that place to the old host country Qatar.

If this is the case, it will be the odd number of 17 nations that will participate in this year's World Cup. The World Championship starts on October 31 and ends with the finals on November 5.

Last year, Qatar was the host country, and Spain won on both the men's and women's sides against Argentina in the finals. 

During the day, the French and Portuguese squads representing each country in Dubai were selected. 

Padel Alto seeks FIP for a comment.