Inter Miami sign Casemiro as MLS investigates tampering allegations
Inter Miami has signed former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, but Major League Soccer (MLS) is investigating the club for alleged tampering. The league announced it is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF shortly after the club confirmed the signing.
Casemiro, who left Manchester United at the end of last season, has agreed a deal with Inter Miami that extends to the conclusion of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to prolong it until June 2029. The league stated it is gathering all relevant information and will not comment further until the review is complete.
Tampering Allegations and Discovery Rights
The investigation centres on the discovery rights for Casemiro. MLS regulations grant a specific club first refusal over a player if they wish to join the league. Los Angeles Galaxy held these discovery rights for Casemiro. However, Inter Miami announced they had acquired these rights from the Galaxy.
The league’s statement indicated that while Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released after the tampering investigation concludes. It is not specified whether the tampering charge relates to direct negotiations with Casemiro before acquiring his discovery rights, or the acquisition of the rights themselves.
This is not the first time Inter Miami has been investigated over transfer dealings. In 2021, the club was fined after breaking MLS rules with the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi the previous year. The MLS stated Matuidi had been paid more than permitted, effectively giving the team four “designated players” rather than the allowed three. The “Beckham rule,” introduced when David Beckham joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, allows for designated players whose wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap.
Casemiro’s Career and Move to Miami
Casemiro, a Brazil international, announced in January that he would depart Old Trafford at the end of the 2026-27 season following a mutual decision not to renew his contract. He made 160 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. During his time with United, he won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup.
Prior to his move to United in 2022, Casemiro won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He also played for Brazil as they reached the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup. Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham expressed his delight at Casemiro’s decision to make Miami his next home, describing him as a winner with an incredible career.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United team-mate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas commented that Casemiro embodies leadership, a winning mentality, and an extraordinary track record.
Casemiro himself stated, “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.” He added that the project presented by the club and the effort made to bring him to Miami meant a lot to him.
Following Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United have focused on strengthening their midfield. They have acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Casemiro’s final season at United saw him have his most productive campaign in front of goal, scoring nine times, including five goals under Michael Carrick.
Casemiro scored in the League Cup final victory in 2023 and reached two FA Cup finals, winning the competition in 2024. He was also part of the United side that reached the Europa League final in May 2025.
The 34-year-old signed for United in August 2022. There was an option for the club to trigger a 12-month extension at the end of the season, but United decided not to take up that option or renew his contract.
What Comes Next
The MLS will continue its review of the tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The terms of the settlement between Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy for Casemiro’s discovery priority will be released upon the conclusion of this investigation.
Casemiro’s contract with Inter Miami runs to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend until June 2029.
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Source: bbc.com
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
