Lecce’s dispute with Lameck Banda has entered a new legal phase, with an arbitration panel imposing a €256,250 fine on the player after he stopped carrying out his duties for the Salento club last summer and moved to Libya’s Al-Swehly Sports Club.
An arbitration ruling over Banda’s Lecce contract
The panel established that Banda remained under contract with Lecce and had failed to meet his footballing obligations despite formal call-ups from the club. His Lecce agreement was due to run until 30 June 2027.
The sanction was determined under the disciplinary provisions contained in the collective agreement. The case concerned Banda’s unilateral decision to halt his activities with Lecce before joining Al-Swehly.
- Banda has been fined €256,250 by the arbitration panel.
- The ruling recognised the continuing employment relationship between the player and Lecce.
- The panel found that he did not fulfil his sporting commitments after receiving official summonses from the club.
- His Lecce contract had an expiry date of 30 June 2027.
Damages claim and salary implications
The amount reflects several elements advanced in the case, including alleged damage to Lecce’s image and the loss linked to the suspension of the player’s salary. Banda was believed to have been due approximately €500,000 for the final season of his contract.
Lecce have also sought compensation for what they regard as a termination of the agreement without just cause. The club have requested the disciplinary measures available under international regulations alongside damages arising from the player’s departure.
FIFA to consider Banda and Al-Swehly
The domestic arbitration decision does not close the matter. FIFA’s judicial bodies are now examining the wider dispute and will issue a separate award concerning both Banda and his new club, Al-Swehly.
Banda is reported to earn around €800,000 per year in Libya. FIFA will therefore consider the consequences of his move alongside Lecce’s claims over the manner in which his previous contract was ended.
The eventual FIFA ruling could carry significance beyond Lecce’s own situation, with the case set to test how football’s authorities deal with players leaving an existing contract to continue their career elsewhere.
