Banda saga intensifies as FIGC refuse Swahly SC transfer due to Lecce contract | OneFootball

The FIGC has sided with Lecce and blocked Lameck Banda from joining Swehly SC because he is still under contract, so the matter could now go to FIFA.

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 24: Lameck Banda of US Lecce scores his team’s opening goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Genoa CFC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The attacking winger has been AWOL from training for over a month now, when he failed to return to Italy for pre-season training.

He then refused to answer his phone, not speaking to the club or his official agent, for weeks on end.

Banda goes AWOL from Lecce

LECCE, ITALY – MAY 24: Lameck Banda of US Lecce during the Serie A match between US Lecce and Genoa CFC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

When he was spotted with the directors of Libyan club Swehly SC (also sometimes referred to as Asswehly Sports Club), who had an offer rejected by Lecce earlier in the summer, it raised alarm bells.

Today the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) announced that it had refused to give the all-clear to a transfer request from the Libyan Federation for Banda’s transfer to Swehly SC.

According to reports, the Zambian striker claims he was unaware that the contract with Lecce had an option allowing the club to extend by another year for the 2026-27 campaign.

He was convinced that he would be a free agent from July 1, 2026, and is therefore refusing to recognise the contract.

The FIGC statement confirmed that Banda is under contract with Lecce until June 30, 2027.