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Serie A club Lecce have started wide-ranging legal proceedings against winger Lameck Banda and Libyan side Al Swehly after his controversial departure. Club president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has taken an aggressive approach on three separate legal fronts, alleging an illegitimate termination of contract and a clear breach of image rights by the buying club.

Lecce are disputing the unilateral exit.

The Italian top-flight side have formally moved ahead with legal action over the Zambia winger's stand-off after judging his switch to Libya to be illegitimate. Banda, who is still under contract at the Stadio Via del Mare until June 2027, did not report for pre-season training in Austria before joining up with Al Swehly. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Lecce are now seeking financial compensation as well as firm disciplinary sanctions against both the player and his new club.

A three-pronged legal offensive has been launched.

The Giallorossi leadership, headed by president Damiani, have opened action on multiple fronts through the FIFA Tribunal, the National Arbitration Panel and image-rights protection authorities. Lecce are asking FIFA to declare the player's unilateral contract termination null and void because there was no just cause, while also accusing Al Swehly of inducing a breach of contract. The Salento club have additionally challenged a promotional video released by the Libyan team on August 21, claiming it used match footage without authorisation.

Tribunals could impose severe sanctions.

On the domestic side, Lecce have begun disciplinary proceedings before the Arbitration Panel in a bid to freeze the winger's salary payments dating from July 1 last year because of breach of contract. That comes after the FIGC initially refused to approve the transfer before FIFA later granted provisional clearance. If the tribunals decide in Lecce's favour, the winger could face a lengthy ban from playing, while Al Swehly may be punished with a heavy fine and a transfer market embargo.

Serie A remains the immediate focus.

Lecce must now quickly turn their attention back to on-field matters as they get ready for an important home meeting with Roma in Serie A this weekend. Head coach Eusebio Di Francesco has to preserve dressing-room stability amid the escalating legal fight and the distractions of the late transfer window. A final verdict from FIFA's judicial bodies is expected to become an important reference point for contractual integrity across European football.