Al-Swehly Dispute Lecce’s Claim Over Lameck Banda Contract
The contractual dispute surrounding Zambia international Lameck Banda has taken another turn after Libyan club Al-Swehly Sports Club challenged Lecce’s claim that the winger remains under contract with the Italian side.
Lecce has reportedly taken the matter to FIFA after Banda agreed to join Al-Swehly, with the Libyan club maintaining that the Zambian forward became a free agent following the expiry of his contract with the Serie A outfit.
According to information obtained by Top Zambian Football, Banda joined Al-Swehly on July 25, 2026, after his previous agreement with Lecce expired on June 30.
Al-Swehly Reject Lecce’s Position
The central issue revolves around an alleged option in Banda’s contract that Lecce believes allowed the club to extend his stay for another season.
Al-Swehly disputes that interpretation, arguing that the extension was a unilateral option and that Banda never signed a new agreement accepting an additional year with Lecce.
It is understood that Banda had informed Lecce on several occasions that he did not intend to continue with the club.
Sources close to the player claim the winger had already made his position clear before Lecce announced the extension.
Banda Wanted a Fresh Start
People familiar with the situation allege that Banda was unhappy with his treatment during his time in Italy and had decided that it was time to move on.
One source claimed the player felt he had been undervalued financially despite attracting interest from clubs outside Italy.
The source also alleged that Banda had made several attempts to resolve the disagreement with Lecce before deciding not to return.
These claims remain disputed and have not been independently verified.
Registration Dispute Escalates
The disagreement has now spilled into the player registration process.
Following Lecce’s position that Banda remains contracted to the club, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) reportedly requested that Al-Swehly’s registration application for the player be halted.
Al-Swehly has rejected that request and insists that the contractual dispute should be resolved through FIFA.
The Libyan club has also challenged Lecce to take the matter before the FIFA Football Tribunal, where the validity of the alleged contract extension can be examined.
FIFA Could Decide Banda’s Future
The two clubs now hold completely opposing views over Banda’s contractual status.
Lecce maintains that the player’s agreement was extended into the 2026/27 season, while Al-Swehly insists that the original contract expired on June 30 and that Banda was therefore free to join another club.
Until FIFA determines the validity of the disputed extension, uncertainty will continue to surround Banda’s registration and his ability to officially represent Al-Swehly.
For the Zambia international, what began as a disagreement over his future at Lecce has now developed into a major contractual dispute involving two clubs and football’s international governing body.
