The Zambia international has received his International Transfer Certificate, allowing him to feature for the Libyan champions despite an ongoing dispute with Lecce.
Zambia international Lameck Banda has been cleared to make his competitive debut for Al-Swehly after FIFA approved his registration with the Libyan champions.
The winger’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has reportedly been issued and forwarded to Libya, removing the immediate registration hurdle and allowing Banda to represent his new club.
According to African football analyst Micky Jnr, Al-Swehly completed the move for the 25-year-old after beating off competition from Lecce, where his contractual situation remains the subject of a dispute.
Banda Signs Three-Year Deal
Banda is understood to have agreed to a three-year contract with Al-Swehly, becoming an important addition to the club’s squad ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.
The Libyan champions are scheduled to begin their continental campaign against Zanzibar’s KVZ FC in the preliminary round.
Should they progress, Al-Swehly could face Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the next stage.
Lecce Dispute Continues
Although FIFA’s decision allows Banda to play, it does not bring an end to the disagreement between the player and Lecce.
The Italian club maintains that Banda remains contracted to them until June 2027 and had previously referred the matter to FIFA after the player failed to report for pre-season training.
Lecce’s position is based on its claim that an option in Banda’s previous agreement was exercised to extend his contract.
Banda and his new club, however, have taken a different position, leading to the ongoing dispute over his contractual status.
FIFA Clearance Does Not End Case
The issuing of the ITC allows Banda to play while the contractual matter is being examined, but the underlying dispute can still be determined through FIFA’s relevant processes.
Should Lecce establish that Banda was still legally bound to the club and left without valid justification, the case could potentially lead to financial or sporting consequences.
FIFA could also examine whether Al-Swehly breached any regulations during the transfer process.
For now, however, Banda has been given the green light to play and can turn his attention to helping Al-Swehly in their domestic and continental campaigns while the legal dispute continues to unfold.
