Lameck Banda: Lecce demand FIFA action over Zambia international dispute

Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has called for FIFA action over Zambia international Lameck Banda’s dispute with the Italian club after the player failed to report for pre-season training and was subsequently linked with Libyan side Al Swehli.

The dispute began on 13 July, when Banda was expected to return to Lecce for the start of preparations but did not arrive as planned.

The club later announced disciplinary measures after the player stopped responding to calls.

Banda instead appeared in videos on social media showing himself training individually, while reports also placed him alongside representatives of Al Swehli.

The Libyan club subsequently attempted to register the player, but the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) blocked the move because Banda remains under contract with Lecce until June 2027.

Lecce challenge Banda’s position

Sticchi Damiani has defended Lecce’s position and insisted that the club had acted within its contractual rights.

“This was an objectively necessary measure on the part of the FIGC, as Banda is under contract with Lecce until June 2027 ,” President Sticchi Damiani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Banda’s representatives have argued that the player believed he would become a free agent this summer because of a clause that allowed Lecce to extend his contract for another season in June 2026.

There was also a suggestion that Lecce had taken advantage of Banda’s inability to speak Italian when the agreement was made.

Sticchi Damiani strongly rejected that interpretation, saying the relevant option had been part of Banda’s contract since his arrival in 2022.

“This option had existed since his arrival in 2022. We could have simply activated it to extend his contract, but instead, in May, we summoned him to headquarters, along with his former agents, and he signed a renewal confirmation.”

“We kept him constantly informed. We also announced it on our social media, posting the message ‘Banda still together in 2027’.”

The Lecce president said the relationship between the club and the player had appeared positive shortly before the dispute emerged.

“He seemed very positive at that time; a few weeks earlier, he had posted a photo on Instagram celebrating his 100th appearance with Lecce, describing us as his ‘Italian football.'”

“There was a relationship based on affection. In June, he asked me to give him part of his salary in advance to finance his wedding, and I was happy to do it for him.”

Transfer offers rejected

According to Sticchi Damiani, the situation changed after Lecce rejected offers for Banda.

“We received a very low offer from Al-Fateh, less than what we initially paid for Lameck in 2022. We rejected it and there was no follow-up ,” explained the Lecce patron.

He also claimed Al Swehli knew that Banda was still under contract before attempting to pursue the player.

“Al Swehli made a lower offer a month ago, so they already knew he was under contract with Lecce. After we refused, they started planning with the player to sign him without spending a penny.”

The attempted registration with the FIGC was subsequently rejected, leaving the dispute heading towards FIFA.

“They requested the transfer from the FIGC, which obviously refused. Al Swehli and Banda will now appeal to FIFA. Following the Lassana Diarra affair, FIFA will not want to take any risks and will therefore grant him a provisional transfer. It is highly likely that Banda will start the season with Al Swehli.”

Lecce seek compensation

Despite expecting Banda could receive permission to play provisionally for Al Swehli, Lecce intends to pursue the matter through FIFA’s legal structures.

“However, FIFA has a competent tribunal for this type of case, and Lecce will pursue legal action. Our objective is for this tribunal to determine the damages suffered by Banda for the wrongful termination of his contract, with the complicity of Al Swehli, who incited him to commit this radical act.”

Sticchi Damiani also expressed frustration at the way the situation had developed, particularly because Banda’s agents were reportedly surprised by his actions.

“We patiently helped Banda progress, we tolerated his mistakes on and off the field, until last season he finally became consistent and the top scorer.”

The Lecce president said replacing the Zambia international would come at a significant cost and called for sanctions against those he believes were responsible.

“His replacement will be costly. In addition to compensation, those responsible for this deplorable situation deserve to be sanctioned; otherwise, we will create a precedent where everyone feels free to act as they please, ignore contracts, and where clubs will request provisional transfers from FIFA.”

He added:

“This isn’t just a fight for Lecce, but for all clubs that respect the rules. The player deserved to be suspended, and the Libyan club should be banned from the transfer market.”

Sticchi Damiani also claimed Banda’s former representatives had separated themselves from the situation.

“His agents no longer represent the player either, they have distanced themselves from Lameck’s behavior ,” assured Sticchi Damiani.

The dispute now leaves Banda’s future uncertain, with Lecce seeking compensation and sanctions while the player and Al Swehli prepare to take the matter to FIFA.