Zambian international Lameck Banda is at the centre of a contractual dispute in Italy, with his Serie A club Lecce turning to FIFA after the winger failed to report for pre-season training.
Banda has reportedly been absent for four weeks and is said to have stopped communicating with the club, despite remaining under contract with Lecce until June 2027.
The situation has reportedly intensified after Banda was linked with Libyan side Al Swehli SC, who are said to be pursuing his signature ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.
Lecce have now lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, as well as the football associations of Zambia and Libya, over the player’s absence. The Italian club had reportedly rejected an initial offer of less than one million euros for the 25-year-old.
Lecce sporting director Stefano Trinchera says the club has repeatedly tried to contact Banda, but has received no response.
The club is also expressing disappointment over the situation, saying it had supported the player throughout his time in Italy.
Banda’s reported push for a move comes after Al Swehli SC allegedly offered him a two-year contract worth around one-point-six million euros per season.
The Zambian winger joined Lecce from Maccabi Petah Tikva in 2022 and has made 109 competitive appearances for the Italian club, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists.
With the dispute now before FIFA, Banda’s future remains uncertain as Lecce insist he is still their contracted player.
By Taonga Nkhoma
