MLS Investigates Inter Miami Over Casemiro Signing Amid Tampering Allegations

Major League Soccer has launched an investigation into allegations of tampering involving Inter Miami shortly after the club confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

Inter Miami announced on Wednesday that the 34-year-old had joined the club after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. The former Brazil international has signed a contract running through the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend it until June 2029.

However, moments after the transfer was confirmed, MLS released a statement saying it was reviewing a tampering allegation connected to the move.

“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS said. The league also confirmed that although Inter Miami and LA Galaxy had reached a settlement regarding Casemiro’s discovery priority, the details of that agreement would only be made public once the investigation concludes.

The inquiry centres on MLS discovery rights, a league rule that gives clubs first refusal on certain players who wish to join MLS. Teams can maintain a discovery list of up to five players at any one time. LA Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami secured them as part of the transfer.

In a separate statement, LA Galaxy confirmed the agreement with Inter Miami, adding that the settlement terms would remain confidential until the league’s investigation is completed.

Casemiro had announced in January that he would leave Manchester United following a mutual decision not to renew his contract. During his time at Old Trafford, he made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists while helping the club win both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. Before joining United in 2022, he enjoyed a glittering spell at Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles. He also represented Brazil as the national team reached the last 16 of this summer’s World Cup.

“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow,” Casemiro said after completing the move.

Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham welcomed the signing before the investigation was announced, saying: “He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.”

The investigation marks another transfer-related probe involving Inter Miami, which was fined $2 million by MLS in 2021 for breaching league rules during the signing of Blaise Matuidi.