# Lameck Banda dispute escalates into legal and transfer saga > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lameck-banda-lecce-passport-issue > Updated: 2026-08-28T07:46:21.000Z. Sources: 56. Developments: 10. The dispute between US Lecce and Zambian striker Lameck Banda has escalated into a complex legal battle involving multiple international football governing bodies. While Lecce finalized the €5 million acquisition of French forward Willem Geubbels in late July 2026, the club faced ongoing issues with Banda, who has been absent from preseason training since mid-July. At the heart of the conflict is a contested unilateral contract extension that Lecce claims is valid until June 2027. Banda maintains he is a free agent, arguing the renewal was not approved by him and alleging unpaid wages. Following the FIGC’s rejection of Banda’s registration as a free agent, FIFA granted a provisional transfer clearance, allowing him to play for Libyan club Al-Swehly SC while the dispute remains unresolved. Al-Swehly SC has since officially unveiled Banda on a three-year contract, noting his eligibility for the CAF Champions League. Lecce has intensified its legal response, filing with a specialized FIFA tribunal to argue that Banda’s departure lacked just cause and that Al-Swehly induced the breach. The Italian club is seeking compensation for damages and disciplinary sanctions against both parties. Furthermore, Lecce has initiated proceedings through an Arbitration Board to address contractual non-compliance and potential salary suspensions. The club also reported Al-Swehly for the unauthorized use of match footage on social media. ## Claims - Lecce exercised a unilateral contract extension, keeping Banda under contract until 2027. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Lameck Banda has not been seen by Lecce or his agents for over two weeks. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Banda posted Instagram videos showing he was training in Zambia and said he was fine. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Lecce warned that Banda could face disciplinary action for breaching his contract. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Lameck Banda, a 25‑year‑old Zambian winger for US Lecce, has been missing for over two weeks. (corroborated by 7 sources) - No official explanation for his absence has been provided by the player or his agents. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The club fears the disappearance may be related to personal or non‑football matters. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Banda alleges the contract extension to 2027 was signed without his full understanding and that he was not paid a month's salary. (corroborated by 3 sources) - U. S. Lecce has initiated legal actions against Lameck Banda and Al-Swehly Sports Club. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lecce filed a case with the FIFA Tribunal to determine if Lameck Banda's unilateral contract termination lacked just cause. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Lecce claims Al-Swehly Sports Club induced the player to break his contract. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: U. S. Lecce takes legal action against Lameck Banda and Al-Swehly U. S. Lecce has initiated legal proceedings against Lameck Banda and Al-Swehly Sports Club via FIFA and the Arbitration Board over contract termination and unauthorized use of image rights. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/u-s-lecce-takes-legal-action-against-lameck-banda-and-al-swehly ### 2026-08-20: Al Swehly signs Lameck Banda amid contract dispute with Lecce Lameck Banda joins Al Swehly amid a contract dispute with Lecce, while other moves include Konadu to Lommel SK and Ahoka to Sunderland. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/moussa-ndiaye-nears-return-to-fc-schalke-04 ### 2026-08-17: FIFA clears Lameck Banda to play for Al-Swehly amid Lecce dispute FIFA has cleared Zambian winger Lameck Banda to play for Al-Swehly SC despite an ongoing contract dispute with Italian club US Lecce regarding a unilateral renewal option. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fifa-clears-lameck-banda-to-play-for-al-swehly-amid-lecce-dispute ### 2026-08-14: Lecce to take Lameck Banda to FIFA tribunal over contract dispute Lecce President Saverio Sticchi Damiani is taking Lameck Banda to a FIFA tribunal after the player failed to report for training and attempted to join Libyan club Al Swehli while under contract until 2027. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lecce-to-take-lameck-banda-contract-dispute-to-fifa ### 2026-08-11: Lecce player Lameck Banda transfer rejected by FIGC The FIGC has rejected Al-Swehly SC’s attempt to sign Lameck Banda as a free agent, ruling that the Zambian winger remains under contract with Lecce until 2027. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lameck-banda-contract-dispute-escalates-between-lecce-and-al-swehly-sc ### 2026-08-09: U.S. Lecce appeals to FIFA over Lameck Banda contract dispute U.S. Lecce has appealed to FIFA and football authorities over a contract dispute with Lameck Banda, who is reportedly negotiating a deal with Libyan club Al Swehli SC despite being contracted until 2027. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-lecce-appeals-to-fifa-over-lameck-banda-contract-dispute ### 2026-07-31: US Lecce signs Geubbels and faces missing striker Banda US Lecce signs French striker Willem Geubbels on a €5 m deal while Zambian forward Lameck Banda remains missing amid contract and passport issues. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lecce-kicks-off-preseason-amid-lameck-banda-contract-dispute ### 2026-07-29: Lameck Banda missing as US Lecce worries over Zambian winger US Lecce winger Lameck Banda has been missing for over two weeks; last seen at Lusaka airport on 23 July. The club, which extended his contract to 2027, warns of disciplinary action. Banda posted gym videos, is 28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lameck-banda-missing-as-us-lecce-blocks-saudi-transfer ### 2026-07-26: Lecce says forward Lameck Banda missing from preseason camp Lecce reports that forward Lameck Banda has not shown up for the Austrian preseason camp, faces possible sanctions, and the club is now eyeing Young Boys' Alan Virginius as a replacement. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lecce-says-forward-lameck-banda-missing-from-preseason-camp ### 2026-07-21: Lameck Banda's Lecce return blocked by passport issue; Saudi club offers €2.5 m Lameck Banda remains absent from US Lecce’s pre‑season camp due to passport problems; the club warned of possible disciplinary action while a Saudi €2.5 m offer was deemed insufficient. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lameck-bandas-lecce-return-blocked-by-passport-issue-saudi-club-offers-25-m --- Cite as: Lameck Banda dispute escalates into legal and transfer saga. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lameck-banda-lecce-passport-issue