Lameck Banda faces legal battle as Lecce take action against Al-Swehly

Lameck Banda’s departure from Lecce has escalated into a legal dispute, with the Italian club accusing the Zambia international of terminating his contract without “just cause” and also taking action against Saudi Arabian side Al-Swehly.

Lecce announced on Friday, 28 August, that it had begun several legal proceedings against Banda and Al-Swehly following the unilateral termination of the player’s contract.

The Serie A club is seeking recognition that the termination was unlawful and is also demanding compensation for damages it says it has suffered and could continue to suffer as a result of the situation.

The case has now been taken to the relevant FIFA tribunal, where Lecce has formally challenged the circumstances surrounding Banda’s departure.

Through its legal representatives, the Italian club is asking FIFA to determine that there was no “just cause” for the player to terminate his contract unilaterally.

Lecce is also seeking action against Al-Swehly, alleging that the Saudi club encouraged Banda to break his agreement with the Italian side.

The club wants disciplinary measures to be considered against both Banda and Al-Swehly under FIFA regulations.

The outcome of the proceedings could have consequences for all parties involved, depending on the decisions reached by the relevant sporting authorities.

Lecce has also opened a separate procedure concerning the player’s salary.

The club has taken the matter to the arbitration panel established under the collective agreement involving the Italian Football Federation, Lega Serie A and the Italian Footballers’ Association.

That case centres on an alleged breach of contract by Banda.

Lecce believes it is entitled to suspend salary payments to the player from 1 July 2026 and is asking for the financial penalties provided for under the collective bargaining agreement to be imposed.

The dispute has also extended to social media activity involving Banda.

Lecce says it has reported Al-Swehly to the appropriate authorities over a video published by the Saudi club on social media on 21 August.

According to Lecce, the video contained images of Banda playing for the Italian club during the previous season.

The Italian side argues that Al-Swehly used those images without possessing the necessary rights to do so.

The latest statement from Lecce represents a significant escalation in the dispute following Banda’s departure from the club.

While the Zambia international has now moved on from Italian football, the circumstances surrounding his exit remain unresolved.

The legal proceedings involving Banda and Al-Swehly could now continue through the relevant sporting authorities, leaving the parties facing a potentially lengthy dispute over the player’s contract and the circumstances of his departure.