MLS launches investigation
Major League Soccer (MLS) has initiated an investigation into Inter Miami following allegations of tampering related to the club’s signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. The 34-year-old Brazil international joined Inter Miami on a deal that extends to the conclusion of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to prolong it until June 2029.
Shortly after Miami announced the signing, the MLS released a statement confirming it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against the club. The league stated it is gathering all relevant information and would not comment further until the review is complete. This investigation concerns Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation that grants a specific club the first opportunity to sign a player if they wish to join the league.
Los Angeles Galaxy held the discovery rights for Casemiro. Inter Miami, in their announcement of the player’s signing, stated they had acquired these rights from the Galaxy. The LA Galaxy also confirmed a settlement had been reached with Inter Miami for the discovery priority, with terms to be disclosed after the tampering investigation concludes.
Casemiro’s move to Miami
Casemiro’s transfer to Inter Miami was a free transfer after he departed Manchester United. He had announced in January his intention to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2026-27 season, a mutual decision not to renew his contract. During his time at United, he made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. He also won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup with the club.
Before his move to United in 2022, Casemiro secured five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He also represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, where the team reached the last 16. Casemiro expressed his motivation, stating, “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.”
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham commented on the signing, 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.” At Miami, Casemiro is expected to reunite with former Real and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina‘s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul.
Previous MLS investigations
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami being investigated for transfer dealings. In 2021, the club faced a $2m fine for violating MLS rules during the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus the previous year. The MLS determined that Matuidi had received a higher payment than permitted, effectively giving Inter Miami four “designated players” in that season, exceeding the allowed limit of three.
The “designated player” rule, also known as the ‘Beckham rule’, was introduced when the former England captain joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. This rule allows clubs to sign a limited number of players whose wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap. The league’s statement regarding the current investigation did not specify potential penalties or a timeline for its conclusion.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United have focused on strengthening their midfield. They have acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m during the current transfer window.
Casemiro’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
