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Former Israeli Premier League Player Lamaq Benda Confirms He Is Safe but Refuses Return to Italian Club Lecce

How 3 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

67% center

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First reported by Mako · Jul 30, 2026

What happened

Former Israeli footballer Lamaq Benda, who disappeared from Italian club Lecce's training, confirmed he is safe but refuses to return to the team. His contract runs through next season, but he does not plan to play for Lecce, and a prior offer from Saudi club Al-Fateh is off the table.

01Lamaq Benda disappeared from Lecce's pre-season training starting July 12, raising concerns.
02Benda sent a message confirming he is safe but refuses to return to Lecce or Italy.
03His contract with Lecce lasts through next season, but he is unwilling to continue there.
04Lecce has not offered Benda a contract renewal.
05Saudi club Al-Fateh previously offered Benda a lucrative deal but has since moved on.
06The situation is likely a dispute between player and club, not a serious incident.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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