LAMECK BANDA ORDERED TO PAY LECCE K5.7 MILLION IN CONTRACT DISPUTE

Football DNA | 18.10.2026

Zambian international winger Lameck Banda has reportedly been ordered to pay his former club, US Lecce, €256,250 (approximately K5.7 million) following a contractual dispute over his departure from the Italian Serie A side.

According to reports from Italy, an arbitration panel, known as the Collegio Arbitrale, ruled in favour of Lecce after examining the circumstances surrounding Banda's departure to Libyan outfit Al-Swehly Sports Club.

The dispute centres on the validity of the 25-year-old's contract, which Lecce maintained was binding until June 30, 2027.

The Italian club argued that it had exercised an option to extend Banda's contract and claimed that the Zambian international had signed documentation agreeing to the extension.

The arbitration panel reportedly established that an employment relationship existed between the two parties and determined that Banda had failed to report for football activities despite receiving official instructions from the club.

Consequently, the panel imposed disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the applicable collective agreement, resulting in the financial penalty.

However, the ruling does not bring the entire contractual dispute to an end.

FIFA's judicial bodies are still expected to determine whether Lecce is entitled to additional compensation over Banda's alleged termination of his contract without just cause.

Lecce had previously referred the matter to FIFA after the winger failed to report for pre-season preparations, seeking clarification regarding his contractual obligations and possible sanctions.

Despite the dispute, FIFA granted Banda provisional clearance in August, allowing him to complete his move to Al-Swehly and continue his playing career in Libya.

The Chipolopolo winger is reportedly earning approximately €800,000 annually at his new club.

The outcome of the outstanding FIFA proceedings could have further financial and sporting implications for Banda and Al-Swehly, depending on the governing body's final determination.

Source: ZamFoot