Zambian Player Lamka Banda Alleges Abuse by Italian Club Lecce Amid Contract Dispute

Zambian footballer Lamka Banda, formerly of Maccabi Netanya and Maccabi Petah Tikva, is embroiled in a contract dispute with Italian club Lecce after he left for Libyan club Al-Suwaihli without Lecce's consent. Banda, who played for Lecce in recent years, claims he endured mistreatment and exploitation during his time in Italy, including receiving low wages relative to the cost of living. His associates told Zambian media BolaNews that Banda experienced "years of poor treatment" and was misled about interest from other clubs, despite genuine offers from teams in England and Saudi Arabia.

The conflict escalated after Banda failed to report for Lecce's preseason training on July 12, raising concerns about his wellbeing. According to Sky Italy, Banda communicated through an intermediary that he was safe but would not return to Lecce. He was later seen training with Al-Suwaihli, the Libyan champions, claiming free agent status. Lecce insists Banda remains under contract, citing an option to extend his deal until June 2027, while Banda and his representatives maintain his contract expired on June 30, 2026, and that he declined to renew it despite notifying Lecce multiple times.

The dispute has now reached FIFA, which will intervene to resolve the contractual disagreement. Banda's case highlights tensions between player rights and club control, with serious allegations of abuse and financial exploitation emerging from his time in Italy.