The Banda case has taken social media by storm, with a rare case of a player going AWOL in one of the world’s top leagues.
Lameck Banda was Lecce's top goal scorer in Serie A last season as the club made history by participating in the Italian top flight for five consecutive seasons for the first time in the club's history.
However, despite being a fan favourite and popular at the club, Banda has gone AWOL and declined to attend pre-season as he looks for a move abroad.
Banda Linked with Shock Move to Libyan Champions
As per Libyan journalist Muha El Gadamsi on X, "Lameck Banda was seen with a delegation from Al Swehli SC, a Libyan club that is preparing for its debut in the African Champions League".
The 25-year-old is reportedly ready to sign a two-year contract worth 12 million Libyan dollars (€1.63 million).
After a move to Al-Fateh fell through due to his behaviour, a move to Al Swehli SC may offer him a financially significant opportunity.
Who Are Al Swehli SC? Libya’s New Champions Explained
Al Swehli SC are a Libyan team who are fresh off the back of their first Libyan Premier League title. Misurata Stadium holds a capacity of 10,000 people, with a city population of 881,000.
Since being founded on 11 May 1944, they have been runners up twice in the Libyan Cup and won the top flight just once.
Contract Dispute Emerges Over Banda’s Extension Clause
A Zambian newspaper interviewed Lameck Banda's friend. He let it be known that Lecce would take advantage of his lack of knowledge of the Italian language, making him sign a contract that included a unilateral option allowing Lecce to extend the contract, which could (and has) automatically extended from 2026 to 2027.
Lecce Escalate Case as FIFA Dispute Looms
Lecce are preparing for their season opener against Palermo in the Coppa Italia first round a week from now.
Lecce have made it clear that despite contract talks between the club and Banda, the extension was part of the contract he signed, and as such, he remains under contract with Lecce.
The governing body of Italian football, FIGC, would likely oppose the transfer of the necessary documentation to colleagues from the Libyan Football Federation.
However, Al Swehli could try to proceed with the signing anyway, aiming to obtain a provisional green light from FIFA. At that point a dispute would open between the parties, with a series of unpredictable consequences for club and player.
Lecce's club president Saverio Sticchi Damiani, has forwarded an official communication to all the potential parties involved.
The player, the club, the Libyan and Zambian football federations, but above all the CAF (the African confederation), the FIGC and FIFA. With the aim of helping Lecce, the administrative lawyer has contacted all parties involved in order to restore order to this contract dispute turned sour.
Banda Silent on Social Media Amid Ongoing Saga
Banda took to Instagram recently to show videos of himself training in a gym, but it was taken down after just hours.
The winger has since remained silent on social media, which his teammates were publicly confused with. Midfielder Ylber Ramadani and a former teammate commented on his story that he needed a private jet. He is still yet to return to Italy and likely never will.
