MLS probes Inter Miami over Casemiro signing and tampering
Major League Soccer is investigating Inter Miami for alleged tampering after the club signed former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on a free transfer. The MLS probe focuses on discovery rights previously held by LA Galaxy, even as Miami and Galaxy say they reached a settlement whose terms will be disclosed when the review ends.
Key Takeaways
- Inter Miami signed 34-year-old Brazil midfielder Casemiro on a free transfer after he left Manchester United.
- His deal runs through the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend into 2029.
- MLS is reviewing a tampering allegation tied to discovery rights that LA Galaxy held.
- Miami and Galaxy say they settled on discovery priority, but terms stay sealed until the probe concludes.
- Inter Miami were previously fined $2m in 2021 over Blaise Matuidi’s signing.
What did Inter Miami announce about Casemiro?
On Wednesday, Inter Miami announced the signing of Casemiro, who left Manchester United at the end of last season after the club did not renew his contract. The Brazil international, 34, joins as a free agent on a deal that runs to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
Casemiro spent four seasons at Old Trafford after moving from Real Madrid in 2022, where he won five Champions League titles. At United he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists, winning an EFL Cup and an FA Cup. He also featured for Brazil as they reached the last 16 at the 2026 World Cup.
Co-owner David Beckham called him “a winner who has achieved so much in the game,” while managing owner Jorge Mas praised his “leadership” and “winning mentality.” At Miami he is set to join Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and former Real Madrid and United teammate Sergio Reguilon, among others.
Why is MLS investigating Inter Miami for tampering?
Moments after the signing news, Major League Soccer said it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami and “gathering all relevant information,” with no further comment until the review is complete. The league confirmed Miami and LA Galaxy reached a settlement for discovery priority to sign Casemiro, but said the terms will be released only when the tampering investigation concludes.
Discovery rights give an MLS club first refusal on a player who wants to join the league. Clubs may list up to five players at a time. LA Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights; Inter Miami said it acquired them from Galaxy as part of the deal. Galaxy echoed that a settlement was reached and that terms await the probe’s end. The league has not said whether the allegation concerns talks with the player before rights were secured, or the rights transfer itself, nor has it outlined penalties or a timeline.
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Has Inter Miami faced MLS transfer trouble before?
Yes. In 2021, Inter Miami were fined $2m after breaking MLS rules in the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus the previous year. The league said Matuidi had been paid more than allowed, effectively giving the team four designated players rather than the permitted three—wages that sit outside the salary cap under the so-called Beckham rule.
Casemiro said winning and continuing to grow motivate him most, and that Miami’s project and effort to bring him in “means a lot.” Whether the latest MLS review affects how the discovery settlement is disclosed remains the open question as the league gathers information.