Inter Miami’s high-profile signing of Casemiro has quickly come under scrutiny after Major League Soccer confirmed it is investigating the club over an alleged tampering breach linked to the transfer.
The Brazilian midfielder was officially unveiled by the Florida club on Wednesday after leaving Manchester United at the end of his contract. Casemiro signed a deal running until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with the option to extend his stay until June 2029.
However, within minutes of the announcement, MLS revealed it had opened a review into the circumstances surrounding the transfer.
“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS said in a statement.
The investigation centres on Casemiro’s discovery rights, a unique MLS mechanism that grants clubs the first opportunity to negotiate with players before rivals can complete a deal. Los Angeles Galaxy held those rights, but Inter Miami confirmed they had reached an agreement with the Galaxy to acquire them before completing the transfer.
MLS added that although both clubs had reached a settlement regarding the discovery priority, the terms of that agreement would remain confidential until the investigation concludes.
The LA Galaxy also confirmed the arrangement, reiterating that details of the settlement would only become public once the league had completed its review.
Casemiro joined Inter Miami after bringing an end to a successful spell at Manchester United, where he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals and helped the club lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup.
Before moving to England in 2022, the Brazilian established himself as one of the finest midfielders of his generation at Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles and numerous domestic honours.
Speaking after completing his move, Casemiro said his hunger for success remains unchanged.
“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow,” the Brazilian midfielder said.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham welcomed the arrival of another decorated star to the club, describing Casemiro as a proven winner whose experience would strengthen the squad.
“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,” Beckham said.
Casemiro joins a growing collection of world-renowned players in South Florida, linking up with Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon.
The investigation also revives memories of Inter Miami’s previous issues with MLS regulations. In 2021, the club was fined $2 million after the league found it had breached roster and salary budget rules during the signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus.
That case concluded with MLS ruling that Matuidi’s compensation effectively gave Inter Miami four designated players instead of the maximum three permitted under league regulations, prompting significant sanctions.
The outcome of the latest investigation could determine whether Inter Miami faces further disciplinary action, even as the club prepares to integrate one of world football’s most accomplished midfielders into its star-studded squad.