US Lecce have written to FIFA seeking legal action after Zambian winger Lameck Banda failed to report for pre-season amid reports of a potential move to Libyan topflight side Al Swehli SC.
BolaNews has learnt that Lecce is demanding compensation for the 25-year-old, who is reportedly in Cairo with the Libyan club.
Fresh reports from Libya on Sunday claimed that Banda had been offered a two-year contract proposal by Al Swehli worth €1.6 million per season ahead of the club’s CAF Champions League campaign.
Lecce are now awaiting an official response from FIFA regarding potential playing bans or international transfer freezes for the player, which could severely disrupt Banda’s career at both club and international levels.
Last month, BolaNews established that Banda did not want to return to Lecce after the club allegedly extended his contract against his wishes.
Banda was in Lusaka at the time and had no intention of returning to Italy. Sources said he was frustrated by the manner in which Lecce extended his contract without what he believed was a mutual agreement.
He joined Lecce in 2022 from Maccabi Petah Tikva on a four-year contract that included an option for a further year.
His initial deal expired on June 30, 2026, but Lecce activated the option to extend his contract until June 2027. However, Banda claims he was unaware of the automatic extension clause when signing his initial contract.
Meanwhile, Lecce also rejected a €2.5 million offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh, with the Italian club reportedly valuing Banda at between €5 million and €7 million, according to Pianeta Lecce.
Since joining Lecce for €2 million, the Chipolopolo international has made 109 competitive appearances for the Salentini, contributing nine goals and 12 assists.
