The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has blocked Lameck Banda’s proposed move to Libyan side Swehly SC, confirming the Zambia international remains under contract with Lecce until June 2027 despite the player’s insistence he should be a free agent.
The ruling halts the winger’s attempt to join the North African club after he spent more than a month absent from the Italian side’s training ground. The 24-year-old failed to report for pre-season preparations and subsequently refused contact with both the club and his official representative for several weeks, according to reports.
Contract Dispute
Banda’s absence stems from a fundamental disagreement over his contractual status. He reportedly claims he was unaware of a unilateral option clause that extended his deal by an additional year, operating under the belief that his contract expired on 30 June 2026. Lecce maintain the extension was triggered correctly, binding the attacker until 30 June 2027.
Swehly SC, also known as Asswehly Sports Club, had previously attempted to secure the player’s signature earlier in the summer transfer window, only for Lecce to reject their offer. The Libyan club maintained their interest, and when Banda was photographed with their directors, the FIGC moved to clarify his registration status by refusing the transfer clearance requested by the Libyan Football Federation.
FIFA Arbitration Likely
With the Italian federation affirming Lecce’s position, the dispute appears headed for international arbitration. The matter may now be referred to FIFA for resolution, where the governing body’s dispute resolution chamber would examine the validity of the option clause and determine whether Banda can be registered elsewhere.
For Lecce, the deadlock presents a squad management challenge. They retain the player’s registration rights but remain without an attacking option who has been AWOL for over a month. Until FIFA rules on the validity of the contract extension, Banda cannot complete a transfer to Swehly SC or any other club, leaving his immediate future in limbo.