US Lecce has taken legal action against Zambian winger Lameck Banda and Libyan club Al-Swehly Sports Club over the circumstances surrounding the player’s departure from the club.
The move follows previous indications by Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani that the club would take legal steps to protect its interests in the matter after FIFA cleared the Zambian winger to join the Libyan club.
Lecce has initiated proceedings before the FIFA Tribunal and the Arbitration Panel, while also reporting what it describes as the improper use of Banda’s images in game situations without the relevant rights.
In a statement issued by the club, proceedings have been opened before the FIFA Tribunal against both Banda and Al-Swehly.
“The club has taken steps, through its trusted lawyers, to initiate a series of legal actions aimed at protecting its rights and interests in relation to the conduct of Lameck Banda and Al-Swehly.
“The proceedings are being initiated to ascertain the unlawfulness, in the absence of just cause, of the unilateral termination implemented by the Player,” read part of the statement.
The club is seeking to ascertain the liability of Al-Swehly Sports Club for having induced such termination and the consequent condemnation of both parties to compensate for all damages suffered and to be suffered.
Lecce has also requested the application of the disciplinary sanctions provided for by the current FIFA regulations against both the player and Al-Swehly Sports Club.
The dispute arises from Banda’s choice to leave Lecce after his contract with the Italian club expired on June 30, 2026, leading him to join Al-Swehly.
The Italian club has further taken the matter to the Arbitration Panel, citing the Collective Agreement between the Italian Football Federation, Lega Serie A and the Italian Footballers’ Association.
“US Lecce has initiated proceedings before Arbitration Panel aimed at establishing the Player’s breach of contractual obligations, with the consequent possibility of interrupting, starting from 1 July 2026, the payment of salaries and the consequent application of the economic disciplinary sanctions provided for by the same collective agreement,” read the statement.
Lecce has also expressed concerns regarding the use of Banda’s images by the Libyan club on social media.
“US Lecce has reported to the relevant authorities the improper use in the video published on its social media channels on 21 August 2026 by the Al-Swehly Sports Club, of images depicting the player in game actions relating to the last sporting season, without having the relevant rights,” read the statement.
The latest legal action adds another chapter to the increasingly contentious dispute involving Banda, Lecce and Al-Swehly.
The FIFA proceedings will determine the legality of Banda’s departure and whether either he or his new club should face sanctions or financial penalties.
