Bakambu sues over alleged housing discrimination after San Diego exit

Cedric Bakambu and his wife, Anne-Laure Hueber, have filed a housing discrimination lawsuit in a California federal court, days after the striker announced his early departure from San Diego FC.

The couple’s action names a real estate agency, two agents and two property owners as defendants. San Diego FC and Major League Soccer are not included in the case.

According to the complaint, reviewed by ESPN, Bakambu and Hueber believe they were treated unfairly because of their “familial status”, with their five children influencing the rejection of their rental applications.

The first dispute involved a house advertised at 17,500 dollars per month. The agency allegedly demanded that a barrier be installed around the swimming pool after learning the ages of the children. The cost was estimated at 6,000 dollars.

Bakambu had reportedly agreed to pay for the work. He also offered to pay 12 months’ rent in advance and signed a document accepting responsibility for use of the pool.

Despite those proposals, the couple’s offer was not accepted. The claim says the property was later withdrawn from the market after their real estate representative raised concerns about a possible breach of rules protecting equal access to housing.

The couple then offered 23,500 dollars a month for a second property. They say the offer received no response, while the house was subsequently listed at 20,000 dollars before also being removed from the market.

Bakambu and Hueber further allege that they faced possible retaliation after challenging the way their first application had been handled.

They are seeking damages, although no figure has been disclosed. Their claim includes extra costs linked to remaining in temporary accommodation, difficulties arranging schooling for their children and emotional distress.

The individuals and companies named in the lawsuit have not publicly responded to the substance of the allegations.

The legal action follows Bakambu’s sudden departure from San Diego FC. He joined the club on 3 September and scored four goals while providing one assist in nine appearances.

On 6 November, he announced that he would no longer represent the club, saying: “Certain decisions are beyond our control.”

No formal connection has been established between the housing dispute and his departure, although the two events occurred close together.

Bakambu has also returned to the Congo squad after missing the previous two matches. Coach Sebastien Desabre selected him for the two-match meeting with Sierra Leone on 12 and 17 November in the CAN 2027 qualifiers.

The Congolese federation said Bakambu was among the final players expected in Kinshasa to complete the squad’s gathering.

His late arrival and the personal circumstances surrounding his return provide a difficult backdrop as he rejoins the Leopards.