Major League Soccer has launched an investigation into alleged tampering by Inter Miami following the club’s signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro.
Inter Miami confirmed on Wednesday that the 34-year-old had joined the club after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, signing a contract through to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign with the option of a further extension until June 2029.
Shortly after the announcement, MLS revealed it was reviewing a potential breach of its rules.
“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” the league said in a statement.
“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”
The investigation centres on MLS discovery rights, which give one club first refusal should a listed player wish to join the league. Each MLS club can hold discovery rights for up to five players at any one time.
LA Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami announced they had acquired them as part of the deal.
The Galaxy confirmed an agreement had been reached but said details would remain confidential until the league’s investigation is complete.
Casemiro waves goodbye to Manchester United
Casemiro announced in January that he would leave Manchester United by mutual consent following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The midfielder enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Real Madrid before joining United in 2022, winning five Champions League titles in Spain.
He made 160 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists while lifting the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
He also featured for Brazil as they 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 following his move.
United have already moved to strengthen their midfield after his departure, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham welcomed the arrival of the experienced midfielder.
“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,” Beckham said.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro joins former Real Madrid and Manchester United team-mate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina internationals Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul.
It is not the first time Inter Miami have faced scrutiny over their transfer dealings.
In 2021, the club was fined $2 million after breaching MLS roster regulations relating to the signing of Blaise Matuidi from Juventus.
The league found the France midfielder’s compensation exceeded the permitted limits, effectively giving Miami four designated players instead of the maximum three allowed under MLS rules.
The designated player rule, commonly known as the “Beckham Rule”, was introduced following Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007.
