FIGC Blocks Banda Transfer Amid Lecce Standoff
Lecce’s stand-off with Lameck Banda has escalated into a full-blown legal and regulatory battle, with the FIGC stepping in to block the winger’s proposed switch to Libyan side Swehly SC.
The Italian federation has formally refused to authorise the transfer after confirming that Banda remains under contract with US Lecce until June 30, 2027. That position directly clashes with the player’s stance and could now push the case onto FIFA’s desk.
From key man to missing man
Only a few months ago, Banda was on the pitch at the Stadio Via del Mare, scoring and driving Lecce forward in Serie A. Now he is off the grid.
The Zambian has been absent from training for over a month, failing to report back for pre-season and cutting off communication. Club officials and even his official agent were met with silence. No calls answered. No explanations offered.
The situation turned from worrying to incendiary when Banda was later spotted alongside directors of Swehly SC, the Libyan club that had already seen a bid for him rejected earlier in the summer. For Lecce, that sighting was more than a rumour. It was a red flag.
Contract confusion at the heart of the row
At the core of the dispute lies a clause and a misunderstanding.
Reports in Italy indicate that Banda believes he became a free agent on July 1, 2026. He is said to contest the validity of an option that allowed Lecce to unilaterally extend his deal by a further year, covering the 2026-27 season.
Lecce triggered that option. Banda, according to those same reports, does not recognise it.
The FIGC has now taken a clear position. In its statement, the federation confirmed that the player is registered under contract with Lecce until June 30, 2027. On that basis, it rejected a transfer request submitted via the Libyan federation for his move to Swehly SC.
Club backed, next stop FIFA?
By siding with Lecce, the FIGC has shut the door on any immediate escape route for Banda through the Italian system. Swehly SC cannot complete the deal without the necessary clearance, and that green light has been firmly denied.
The stalemate leaves the player in limbo: absent from his current club, unable to join the next one.
With the Italian federation’s position now on record and the Libyan club still keen, the case appears destined for the international stage. FIFA may soon be asked to rule on whether Lecce’s option year stands or Banda is free to walk away.
For a player once seen celebrating under the lights in Lecce, the next decisive moment may not come on the pitch, but in a hearing room.
