Zambia international Lameck Banda has reportedly been fined K5.7 million (€256,250) by an Italian arbitration panel over a contractual dispute with former club US Lecce following his controversial departure from the Serie A side.
The decision by the Collegio Arbitrale comes despite FIFA having cleared Banda to join Libyan club Al-Swehly. However, permission to complete the move does not mean the wider dispute surrounding his departure from Italy has been fully resolved.
Banda joined Al-Swehly after leaving Lecce, with the circumstances surrounding the end of his contract becoming a point of contention between the player and his former club. The Italian arbitration panel has now imposed the reported financial penalty over an alleged breach of contractual obligations.
US Lecce has also referred the matter to FIFA, seeking further financial compensation over Banda’s departure on what has been described as a free transfer.
Although FIFA authorised Banda’s move to Libya, a final ruling on the underlying contractual dispute remains pending. The latest development therefore adds another chapter to a case that could have further financial implications for the Zambian winger.
For now, Banda’s clearance to play for Al-Swehly and the unresolved compensation dispute remain separate issues. The eventual outcome of the FIFA proceedings could determine whether Lecce receives additional compensation and how the contractual disagreement is ultimately settled.
