Inter Miami Casemiro deal triggers MLS tampering probe

MLS launched a tampering investigation moments after Inter Miami announced on Wednesday the signing of Brazil midfielder Casemiro, the World Cup regular who started every match as Brazil reached the last 16. The league said it was reviewing a tampering allegation and would refrain from comment until the review is complete.

The 34‑year‑old midfielder left Manchester United at the end of last season and signed a deal that runs to the close of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029. The contract was unveiled on Wednesday, the same day the club confirmed the signing.

Moments after the announcement, Major League Soccer issued a statement that it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami. The league added it would gather all relevant information and refrain from further comment until the review is complete.

The probe centres on the discovery rights rule, which gives a club first refusal on a player wishing to join MLS. LA Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights, but Inter Miami said it had acquired those rights from the Galaxy, with a settlement to be disclosed after the investigation.

Casemiro started every game for Brazil at the World Cup as the team progressed to the last 16. He previously won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid before moving to Manchester United in 2022.

At United he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals and supplied 14 assists. “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow,” he said.

In the wake of his departure, Manchester United have turned to the market, buying Andrey Santos for £50 million from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans for £35 million from Aston Villa.

Inter Miami co‑owner Sir David Beckham praised the signing. He stated, “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 club is not new to MLS scrutiny; in 2021 it was fined $2 million after the Matuidi transfer breached salary‑cap rules.