Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami following the club’s signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The league issued a statement shortly after Inter Miami announced the deal on Wednesday.
“Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS said.
“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”
Lizzy Becherano os ESPN reports that the LA Galaxy filed the claim, alleging Inter Miami contacted Casemiro without first securing the player’s Discovery Priority rights. Under MLS rules, clubs may place up to five players on a discovery list, granting exclusive first rights to negotiate. Other teams must acquire those rights, typically by offering $50,000 in General Allocation Money, before making contact.
Casemiro, who left Manchester United as a free agent after his contract expired, signed with Inter Miami through the end of the 2027 MLS season with an option to extend through June 2029.
The 34-year-old, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, will join Lionel Messi and other high-profile players at the club, which is co-owned by David Beckham.
Casemiro addressed the situation directly.
“I would like to [be] very clear about this situation, especially as it pertains to my person,” Casemiro said Wednesday. “I spoke to the Galaxy a while ago. I left it very clear to them that I wanted to join Miami because, in the end, it’s a city I love. My wife, my kids and I are always here when we have days off. We know the city. When I spoke to them [the Galaxy], I left it very clear which team I wanted to join in the MLS and that is Inter Miami because of the project, the hope and of course to play with the best player of all time.
“It’s something that excites me. I just want to thank Inter Miami, their effort. I also wanted to be here. The only MLS team I wanted to be a part of is Inter Miami.”
The investigation will continue as the league examines whether proper protocols were followed in the transfer process.
