MLS Reviews Tampering Allegation
Major League Soccer has opened a formal review into how Inter Miami secured Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. The 34-year-old signed a contract that runs through the 2027 season, and the deal includes an option to extend through 2029. Inter Miami confirmed the signing on Wednesday through its official website and several social media posts.
However, the league quickly followed with a statement saying it is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami. According to the statement, the league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review concludes.
Under MLS rules, clubs must first acquire a player’s discovery rights before they can begin negotiations. Therefore, only the team holding those rights can legally approach a player. The LA Galaxy held discovery rights to Casemiro, so any direct contact from Inter Miami before a settlement would count as tampering.
Meanwhile, MLS confirmed that Inter Miami and the Galaxy have since reached a settlement over those rights. Still, the league said it will release the settlement terms only after the tampering investigation concludes.
Casemiro’s Decorated Career Continues in MLS
Casemiro spent nine years with Real Madrid, from 2013 to 2022, and made 224 appearances while scoring 24 goals. Afterward, he joined Manchester United ahead of the 2022 season and played 111 matches over four years, scoring 15 goals. Consequently, this move marks his first appearance in MLS.
Throughout his career, Casemiro has won five UEFA Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and three Spanish Super Cups. In addition, he has earned 91 caps for Brazil’s national team.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham welcomed the signing, saying he has long admired Casemiro as both a person and a player. He added that after such an accomplished career at Real Madrid and Manchester United, he is delighted Casemiro chose Miami as his next home.
