Inter Miami's signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has sparked an MLS investigation over alleged tampering involving the Brazilian's discovery rights.
Inter Miami's signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has come under immediate scrutiny, with Major League Soccer (MLS) launching an investigation into alleged tampering surrounding the transfer.
The Florida club confirmed on Wednesday that the 34-year-old Brazil international had joined on a contract running until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend through June 2029.
However, minutes after the announcement, MLS revealed it had opened a formal review into the circumstances of the deal.
"The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete," MLS said in a statement.
The league added that while Inter Miami and LA Galaxy had reached an agreement over Casemiro's discovery priority rights, the details of that settlement will remain confidential until the investigation concludes.
The case centres on MLS discovery rights, a league mechanism that grants one club first refusal on a player should he decide to join MLS.
Each club can hold up to five players on its discovery list at any given time, with the flexibility to add or remove names throughout the season.
LA Galaxy held Casemiro's discovery rights before Inter Miami announced they had successfully acquired them as part of the transfer.
The Galaxy later confirmed the agreement, stating:
"The LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF have reached a settlement for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, and the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation currently open with Major League Soccer."
Casemiro confirmed in January that he would leave Manchester United following the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2026-27 season, after both parties agreed not to extend his stay.
The Brazilian leaves Old Trafford after making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and registering 14 assists, while helping United lift the EFL Cup and FA Cup.
Before his move to England in 2022, Casemiro enjoyed a glittering spell at Real Madrid, winning five UEFA Champions League titles.
He also represented Brazil at this summer's FIFA World Cup, helping his nation reach the Round of 16.
Speaking after completing the move, Casemiro said:
"What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow."
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham welcomed the arrival of another decorated European star.
"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."
Casemiro will reunite with former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, while also joining global stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul in Miami.
This is not the first time Inter Miami's transfer dealings have attracted league attention.
In 2021, the club was fined $2 million after MLS ruled it had breached salary regulations during the signing of Blaise Matuidi from Juventus.
The league found Matuidi had effectively been paid outside the league's salary restrictions, giving Miami four designated players instead of the permitted three under the league's salary cap system.
The designated player rule—widely known as the "Beckham Rule"—was introduced in 2007 following David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy, allowing clubs to sign high-profile stars whose wages exceed the standard salary cap.
