Lameck Banda's controversial departure from Lecce has escalated into a full-blown legal battle, with the Italian club taking action against both the Zambia international and Al-Swehly Sports Club.
Lecce have launched three separate proceedings as they attempt to protect their position after Banda unilaterally ended his contractual relationship with the Serie A club.
The Italian side are seeking compensation from the player and the Libyan club, while also asking for disciplinary sanctions to be considered under FIFA regulations.
Lecce challenge Banda's exit
The main dispute centres on Banda's decision to leave Lecce.
According to the club, the 25-year-old terminated his contract without just cause, despite remaining under contract until June 2027.
Lecce have therefore taken the case to the FIFA Tribunal, asking for a ruling on whether the unilateral termination was legitimate.
The club also wants Al-Swehly held responsible, alleging that the Libyan side played a role in inducing Banda to end his contract.
Lecce are seeking damages from both parties and have requested the application of FIFA's available disciplinary sanctions
How the dispute began
The situation developed during the summer after Banda failed to return to Italy for Lecce's pre-season preparations.
The Zambia international did not report for the club's training camp and remained away from the team as the dispute over his future intensified.
Lecce maintained that Banda was still contractually bound to the club, while Al-Swehly subsequently announced his arrival.
The FIGC rejected an initial request for the international transfer because Banda was still registered as a Lecce player under a contract running until June 2027.
Al-Swehly now caught in the middle
Lecce's case is not limited to Banda.
The Italian club believes Al-Swehly should also bear responsibility for the circumstances surrounding the player's departure.
That could make the dispute particularly significant because FIFA will now have to examine the conduct of both the player and the Libyan club.
Al-Swehly have already been able to use Banda after obtaining a temporary FIFA transfer solution while the underlying dispute continues, meaning the legal battle does not necessarily prevent the player from continuing his career in Libya
Lecce also challenge image use
There is another dispute between the clubs.
Lecce have complained about Al-Swehly's use of images featuring Banda in a promotional video posted on the Libyan club's social media channels.
The Italian club claims the footage showed Banda in match action from the previous season without the necessary rights.
That issue has been referred to the relevant authorities separately from the contractual dispute.
A third legal front
Lecce have also taken the matter to the Arbitration Panel established under the collective agreement involving the FIGC, Serie A and the Italian players' association.
The club wants Banda's alleged failure to fulfil his contractual obligations to be established.
Lecce have also raised the possibility of suspending his salary payments from 1 July 2026, alongside financial disciplinary measures under the collective agreement.
What happens next?
The most important point is that no final ruling has yet been made against Banda or Al-Swehly.
Lecce have presented their case and requested damages and sanctions, but the relevant authorities will ultimately determine whether the player's contract termination was justified and whether Al-Swehly bears responsibility.
That makes the next stage of the dispute particularly important for all three parties.
For Banda, the issue could determine whether his move to Al-Swehly ultimately leaves him facing sporting or financial consequences.
For Al-Swehly, the case could establish whether the club breached any regulations by becoming involved in the player's departure.
And for Lecce, the objective is clear: protect their contractual rights and seek compensation for what they consider an illegitimate exit.
What began as a controversial transfer has now become a legal fight — and the final word on Lameck Banda's Lecce exit will come from the authorities, not the transfer market
Fan Debate
🔥 FIRE: Should Banda face punishment if Lecce's claims are upheld?
😲 SHOCK: Did Al-Swehly handle the situation correctly?
⚽ GOAL: Should players be allowed to force their way out of clubs?
👍 LIKE: Is Lecce right to fight this case?
💬 COMMENT: Who do you think is in the wrong — Banda, Lecce or Al-Swehly?
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