Lameck Banda contract dispute with Lecce heads towards FIFA battle

Lameck Banda, the 25-year-old Zambia winger, is at the centre of a contract dispute with US Lecce that could now be decided through FIFA. Lecce says his deal runs until 30 June 2027 after the club activated an extension option, while Banda’s position is understood to be that the additional season required his approval.

Banda joined Lecce from Maccabi Petah Tikva for €2 million in the 2022/23 season. The move made him the first Zambian player to join a Serie A club. He made his debut as a substitute in a 2-1 defeat by Inter Milan on 13 August 2022, before becoming the first Zambian to score in Italy’s top division when he struck against Atalanta on 9 November that year.

The left winger has since recorded 109 appearances for Lecce, with nine goals and 12 assists. Nine of those 21 goal contributions came last season, when his form helped Lecce stay clear of relegation. His current market value is listed at €3.5 million.

The dispute became public on 21 July, when Lecce said it was investigating Banda after he did not return to Italy for the start of pre-season. The club said his return had been delayed because of logistical and bureaucratic problems and warned that disciplinary measures could follow if he had failed to meet his employment obligations.

Reports later said Banda would not return because Lecce had extended his contract without his consent. Saudi club Al-Fateh was also linked with him, but Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani said the club had rejected an offer below the amount Lecce paid to sign the player. On 11 August, Lecce was reported to have taken the matter to FIFA while awaiting guidance on possible sporting sanctions.

The situation is also tied to Banda’s reported move towards Libyan club Al Swehli. The club is said to have offered him a two-year contract worth €1.6 million per season, and Banda has reportedly joined as a free agent. Al Swehli disputes Lecce’s interpretation of the extension, while Damiani maintains that the option was included in Banda’s original contract and that the player signed a document approving its use in May. Lecce’s president has also described their previous relationship as positive, despite the breakdown now threatening to become a formal football dispute.