MLS probes Inter Miami over Casemiro transfer amid tampering allegations

Major League Soccer has launched an investigation into Inter Miami following allegations of tampering connected to the club’s acquisition of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. The league confirmed it is reviewing the matter after Inter Miami announced the signing of the 34-year-old from Manchester United, alongside the purchase of his discovery rights from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The dispute centres on MLS regulations regarding discovery rights, which grant a specific club the first refusal over a player should they wish to join. Under current rules, clubs may hold up to five players on their discovery list at any time. While Inter Miami and the Galaxy have reached a settlement regarding these rights, the league stated that the terms of the agreement will remain confidential until the investigation concludes.

In a statement, the league confirmed it is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete. Casemiro has signed a contract with Inter Miami running to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend the deal until June 2029. The midfielder had previously announced in January that he would depart Manchester United at the end of the 2026-27 season following a mutual decision not to renew his contract.

Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham welcomed the arrival of the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player, describing him as a "winner" who has achieved significant success in his career. Casemiro is set to join former teammates Sergio Reguilon, as well as Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul, at the Florida-based club.

The investigation marks another regulatory challenge for Inter Miami, which was fined $2 million in 2021 for breaching MLS rules during the signing of Blaise Matuidi from Juventus. That case involved violations of salary cap regulations concerning designated players, a mechanism introduced in 2007 to attract high-profile talent. Meanwhile, Manchester United has moved to reinforce its midfield in Casemiro’s absence, securing the services of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa.