Lecce have warned striker Lameck Banda that he faces disciplinary action after the Zambia international failed to report for pre-season training. The Serie A club issued a formal statement confirming that the forward missed his scheduled return to Italy, prompting an internal investigation.
Banda was expected to begin preparations under coach Eusebio Di Francesco but requested an initial postponement due to what the club described as “red tape issues”. When the 24-year-old subsequently missed a second deadline to arrive for duty, Lecce lost patience and made their dissatisfaction public.
Administrative Complications
The nature of the bureaucratic delays remains unclear, though the club clearly doubts whether the player took sufficient steps to resolve his travel arrangements. Lecce confirmed they will investigate whether Banda could have taken additional measures to ensure his return proceeded on schedule.
The club’s statement indicated that officials will “evaluate necessary disciplinary action” once they establish the full circumstances of the delay. This suggests sanctions could follow if the investigation determines the player was negligent in handling his documentation.
Contract and Playing History
Banda arrived at the Stadio Via del Mare from Israeli Premier League side Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2022, with Lecce paying a reported €2 million plus add-ons for his services. The winger has since made 104 appearances in Serie A, scoring nine goals and providing ten assists.
Despite his established role in the squad, Banda’s future now appears uncertain. He remains under contract until June 2027, but the public nature of the club’s warning suggests significant strain in the relationship between player and management.
Pre-Season Disruption
The incident disrupts Lecce’s preparations for the forthcoming campaign, with Di Francesco unable to count on a player who featured regularly last season. Resolution of the disciplinary matter will likely determine whether Banda remains part of the Italian side’s plans or faces sanctions ranging from fines to exclusion from first-team activities.