Lecce’s dispute with Lameck Banda has reached a significant domestic ruling, with the Zambian forward ordered to pay a €256,250 disciplinary fine after an arbitration panel found that he had failed to return to the club despite being called up.
An employment agreement still in force
The final award was delivered on Friday 16 October by the arbitration body established under the collective agreement involving the Italian Football Federation, Serie A and the Italian Footballers’ Association.
The panel upheld Lecce’s position and confirmed that Banda’s contract with the Salento club was due to run until 30 June 2027. The 25-year-old, now with Libyan side Al-Swehly, had left Lecce amid a difficult separation from the club.
- Banda’s Lecce agreement was judged to remain valid until 30 June 2027.
- The panel found a serious breach of his obligations as a player.
- It ruled that, from 1 July 2026, he had not made himself available for work or resumed sporting activity despite club summonses.
The disciplinary sanction
On the basis of that finding, the arbitration panel imposed the sanctions provided for in the collective agreement. The principal punishment is a fine of €256,250.
The decision settles the domestic disciplinary aspect of the case, underlining Lecce’s successful argument that Banda had remained bound by his contractual commitments when he stopped reporting for duty.
FIFA case remains open
A separate process is still pending before FIFA’s relevant judicial bodies. That case involves both Banda and Al-Swehly Sports Club, who play in Libya’s top division.
Lecce are seeking compensation for damages arising from what they regard as a termination without just cause. The club are also pursuing the international disciplinary measures available against both the player and his current club.
