Major League Soccer Opens Tampering Investigation Into Inter Miami Over Casemiro Transfer

Major League Soccer has opened a formal investigation into Inter Miami CF over potential tampering violations related to the high-profile signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The league confirmed the inquiry shortly after Inter Miami announced that the 34-year-old former Manchester United star had agreed to a contract running through the 2027 MLS season, with a club option extending to June 2029.

At the center of the investigation is the league’s roster governance framework, specifically regarding discovery rights. Under MLS regulations, a club can claim exclusive priority to negotiate with specific foreign players not currently under contract in North America. Each MLS franchise is permitted to hold discovery rights for up to five players at any given time.

The LA Galaxy originally held the discovery rights for Casemiro. While Inter Miami and the Galaxy negotiated a settlement to transfer those priority rights, MLS officials announced that the specific terms of that resolution will remain unapproved and undisclosed until the tampering review concludes.

In an official statement, MLS noted that it is actively gathering all relevant information surrounding the transaction and will withhold further commentary until the review reaches its conclusion. The Galaxy also acknowledged the settlement, confirming that details would remain confidential pending the outcome of the league’s inquiry.

The investigation places renewed scrutiny on Inter Miami’s administrative compliance. In 2021, MLS levied a record $2 million fine against the franchise after an exhaustive probe revealed severe roster rule violations during the signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus. That investigation concluded that Matuidi’s total compensation breached roster limits, effectively giving Miami four Designated Players rather than the maximum three permitted under league rules.

The Designated Player Rule, established in 2007 to facilitate David Beckham’s landmark move to the LA Galaxy, allows MLS franchises to acquire elite global talent by assigning salary hits above the roster cap. Inter Miami co-owner Beckham publicly celebrated Casemiro’s arrival before the inquiry was announced, praising the veteran as a proven champion following his successful tenures in Europe.

Casemiro’s move to South Florida follows his departure from Old Trafford, where he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals, and registered 14 assists while helping Manchester United capture both the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. Before his stint in England, the defensive midfielder achieved historic success with Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles.

At Inter Miami, Casemiro joins a decorated squad that includes his former teammate Sergio Reguilon, alongside Argentine World Cup winners Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul. Reflecting on his transition to North American football, Casemiro emphasized that his primary motivation remains competing for trophies and driving career growth.

To address the vacancy left by Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United reinforced their midfield during the transfer window by acquiring Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa and Andrey Santos from Chelsea.