Major League Soccer announced it is reviewing allegations of improper conduct by Inter Miami in connection with the club’s acquisition of Casemiro, a 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder who recently departed Manchester United.
Inter Miami revealed the signing on Wednesday, bringing the player on a contract extending through the end of the 2027 MLS campaign with a potential extension option through June 2029. However, the league simultaneously issued a statement indicating it was examining a tampering claim against the franchise. MLS officials stated they were gathering relevant information and would withhold further commentary until their review concludes. The league also noted that while Inter Miami and the Los Angeles Galaxy have reached a settlement regarding the discovery priority for Casemiro, specific terms will remain confidential pending the outcome of the investigation.
The core issue centers on discovery rights, an MLS mechanism granting a designated club first refusal on a specific player should that player seek to join the league. Teams may maintain up to five players on their discovery list and modify these rosters as needed. The Galaxy previously held Casemiro’s discovery rights, though Inter Miami claimed to have acquired them in connection with the signing.
Casemiro announced his intention to leave Old Trafford following the 2025-26 season after reaching a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. The midfielder previously won five Champions League titles during his tenure with Real Madrid before joining Manchester United in 2022. During his time with the English club, he made 160 appearances, contributing 26 goals and 14 assists while capturing one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. Inter Miami’s acquisition places him alongside fellow former Real Madrid and Manchester United player Sergio Reguilon, as well as World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul.
This investigation is not Inter Miami’s first examination by league authorities. In 2021, the franchise faced a $2 million fine for violating MLS regulations during the previous year’s signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus, which resulted in the team effectively fielding four designated players rather than the allowed three.
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