Lecce President Warns FIFA Over Lameck Banda Dispute

15.08.2026 | Football DNA

Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has reportedly called on FIFA to take action against Zambian international Lameck Banda and Libyan club Al Swehli SC, accusing them of breaching Banda’s contract with the Italian club.

According to Football Italia, Sticchi Damiani said the dispute began after Banda failed to report for pre-season training on July 13. The president reportedly said the player subsequently stopped responding to the club’s calls, while updates about his whereabouts emerged through social media posts showing him training on his own.

The situation escalated after Banda was reportedly spotted with representatives of Al Swehli. The Libyan club later attempted to register the Zambian international, but the request was blocked by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) because Banda remains under contract with Lecce until June 2027.

Sticchi Damiani reportedly said the contract extension option that has become central to the dispute had existed since Banda joined Lecce in 2022. He claimed the club had invited Banda to its headquarters in May, together with his former agents, where the player signed confirmation of the renewal option.

The Lecce president also reportedly rejected suggestions that the club had taken advantage of Banda's inability to speak Italian. He said Banda had previously appeared happy at the club and had even celebrated reaching 100 appearances for Lecce.

According to Sticchi Damiani, the relationship changed after Lecce rejected transfer offers for Banda, including a reportedly low bid from Al Swehli. He alleged that Al Swehli subsequently began working with Banda on a move that would allow the player to leave without a transfer fee.

Sticchi Damiani reportedly expects the matter to reach FIFA, where Lecce intends to seek compensation for what it considers a breach of contract. He further alleged that Al Swehli encouraged Banda to take the action.

The Lecce president is also reported to have called for sanctions against both the player and the Libyan club, arguing that allowing such situations to go unpunished could create a dangerous precedent for clubs and players.

He reportedly said Lecce's fight was not only about the Italian club but also about protecting football clubs that respect contractual agreements.

Meanwhile, Sticchi Damiani claimed that Banda's former agents had distanced themselves from the player's actions and were no longer representing him.

The dispute now appears set for a legal battle involving Lecce, Banda, Al Swehli, FIFA and the relevant football authorities, with the player's contract and potential compensation at the centre of the case.