Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has called on FIFA to ban Lameck Banda and Al Swehli after the Zambia international failed to report for pre-season training despite being under contract until June 2027. The Serie A club confirmed they will pursue damages through FIFA’s tribunal following the player’s unexplained absence, which began on July 13.
Banda was scheduled to return for pre-season preparations but never arrived. He subsequently stopped responding to direct contact from the club, communicating instead through social media posts showing him training alone. The winger was later spotted with representatives from Libyan side Al Swehli, who attempted to register the player this week only for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to block the move because of his existing Lecce agreement.
Contract dispute
The 24-year-old remains bound to Lecce until June 2027 following the activation of an extension clause. Sticchi Damiani explained that the option had existed since Banda’s arrival in 2022 and was formally confirmed in May with the player’s signature and public celebration on social media. The president noted that as recently as June, Banda had requested an advance on his salary to cover wedding costs, which the club granted, and he had recently celebrated his 100th appearance for the Giallorossi online.
However, Banda reportedly believed he would become a free agent this summer, misunderstanding the extension clause. Sticchi Damiani rejected this interpretation, stating the terms had been transparent since 2022 and were reaffirmed in May with Banda’s former agents present.
Transfer saga
Lecce rejected what they described as a low offer from Saudi club Al-Fateh earlier in the summer, followed by a similarly inadequate bid from Al Swehli approximately one month ago. Sticchi Damiani alleged that after the second rejection, Al Swehli conspired with the player to secure his services without paying a transfer fee.
Sticchi Damiani told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the Libyan club “started planning along with the player to take him away without spending a cent.” He warned that Banda and Al Swehli may now seek a provisional transfer from FIFA, citing the precedent set by the Lassana Diarra case.
FIFA tribunal
Lecce intend to contest any provisional transfer at FIFA’s tribunal, seeking financial compensation for breach of contract. Sticchi Damiani argued that both the player and the Libyan club should face severe sanctions, including a suspension for Banda and a transfer ban for Al Swehli, to prevent clubs from ignoring contractual obligations.
“This is not just a battle for Lecce, but for all clubs who respect the rules,” he said. The player’s agents have reportedly withdrawn their services, distancing themselves from Banda’s conduct. Sticchi Damiani emphasised that replacing their top scorer from last season will be expensive, adding that the club had supported Banda’s development patiently through previous disciplinary issues.