League Reviews Alleged Tampering Following Midfielder’s Move
Major League Soccer (MLS) has launched an investigation into Inter Miami following allegations of tampering after the club completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The 34-year-old joined Inter Miami on Wednesday after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, signing a contract that runs until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
MLS Opens Tampering Investigation
Shortly after announcing the transfer, MLS confirmed it was reviewing an allegation involving Inter Miami.
In a statement, the league said it is gathering information and will not make further comments until the investigation is complete.
The probe centres on Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS rule that gives one club priority to negotiate with a player before others in the league.
Discovery Rights at the Centre of Dispute
Los Angeles Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami completed the transfer.
Both clubs confirmed they had reached an agreement allowing Miami to acquire those rights, but the details of the settlement will only be released once the MLS investigation concludes.
Under league rules, clubs may list up to five players on their discovery list, giving them first refusal should those players decide to join MLS.
Casemiro Begins New Chapter
Casemiro announced in January that he would leave Manchester United after both sides agreed not to extend his contract.
The Brazilian midfielder enjoyed a successful career in Europe, winning five UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid before joining United in 2022.
During his time at Old Trafford, he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals and helped the club win both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.
Speaking after completing his move, Casemiro said his desire to keep winning remained his biggest motivation.
Miami Adds Another Star Name
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham welcomed the signing, describing Casemiro as one of football’s proven winners.
The Brazilian joins a star-studded squad that includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilón.
Club Has Faced MLS Sanctions Before
This is not the first time Inter Miami has come under scrutiny over player recruitment.
In 2021, the club was fined $2 million after MLS found it had breached salary regulations during the signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi.
The league ruled that Miami had exceeded the permitted number of designated players, whose wages are exempt from the MLS salary cap under the “Beckham Rule.”
The latest investigation will determine whether Inter Miami complied with league regulations during Casemiro’s transfer.
