Libyan champions Al Swehly have officially unveiled Zambia international Lameck Banda as their latest signing on a three-year contract after his departure from Italian club Lecce.
The 25-year-old winger has been cleared by FIFA to play for Al Swehly despite an ongoing contractual dispute with Lecce, who maintain that Banda remains under contract with the Serie A club until June 2027.
Banda will feature for Al Swehly in the CAF Champions League, with the Libyan side set to face Zanzibar champions KVZ FC in the first preliminary round.
Should Al Swehly progress, they will face Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the second preliminary round.
Lecce dispute hangs over move
Banda’s transfer to Libya comes against the backdrop of a dispute over his contractual status at Lecce.
Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani previously said the club had exercised an option to extend Banda’s contract and claimed the player had signed a document agreeing to the renewal.
The Italian club referred the matter to FIFA after Banda failed to report for pre-season, seeking clarification over his contractual status and possible sanctions.
Although FIFA has cleared Banda to play for Al Swehly, the dispute has not been resolved. If Lecce succeeds in proving that the player breached a valid contract without just cause, Banda could still face a compensation claim.
For now, the Zambia international can turn his attention to a new chapter in Libya, with Al Swehly’s Champions League campaign providing his first competitive test.
