Zambian international Lameck Banda has been ordered to pay €256,250 (approximately K5.7 million) to former club US Lecce after an Italian arbitration panel ruled against him in a contractual dispute.
The Collegio Arbitrale upheld the Serie A club’s claims against the 25-year-old winger, who left Lecce last summer to join Libyan side Al-Swehly Sports Club.
The ruling relates to claims of damage to the club’s image and the termination of Banda’s employment relationship, with Lecce maintaining that his contract remained valid until 30 June 2027.
The club had argued that it exercised an option to extend the player’s contract and that Banda had signed a document agreeing to the renewal.
According to the ruling, the arbitration panel confirmed the existence of an employment relationship between Banda and Lecce and found that the player had failed to participate in football activities despite being officially called up by the Italian club.
The panel subsequently applied the disciplinary sanctions provided for under the relevant collective agreement.
However, the ruling does not conclude the wider dispute, with FIFA’s judicial bodies still expected to determine the separate question of compensation for damages arising from the alleged breach of contract without just cause.
Lecce had referred the matter to FIFA after Banda failed to report for pre-season, seeking clarification on his contractual status and possible sanctions.
Despite the ongoing dispute, FIFA provisionally cleared the winger to join and play for Al-Swehly in August while the case remained under consideration.
Banda, who is reportedly earning around €800,000 per year at the Libyan club, has since continued his career outside Italy.
The final outcome of the FIFA proceedings could have further implications for both the player and his new club, depending on the findings of the governing body’s judicial authorities.
