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Inter Miami Faces MLS Investigation Over Casemiro Signing Process

Inter Miami completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, but Major League Soccer announced an investigation into potential tampering by the club.

Asude Karataş • 23 Temmuz 2026 07:30 • 3 dk okuma • 11 görüntülenme

Inter Miami has signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro following his departure from Manchester United, but Major League Soccer launched an immediate investigation into the club's acquisition process. The inquiry focuses on whether tampering occurred when Miami obtained Casemiro's discovery rights from the Los Angeles Galaxy. The 34-year-old midfielder signed a contract running through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS "sprint season," with an option to extend through June 2029.

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The Discovery Rights Dispute
Casemiro's Background and Impact

The Discovery Rights Dispute

Under MLS regulations, the discovery process grants individual clubs priority signing rights over specific players who may join the league. Each team may maintain discovery rights for up to five players at any given time. The Los Angeles Galaxy held Casemiro's discovery rights, but Inter Miami announced it had acquired those rights from the California club to complete the signing.

However, MLS released a statement indicating the league was "reviewing a tampering allegation" against Inter Miami. The league did not specify the exact nature of the alleged misconduct or disclose the terms under which Miami obtained the discovery priority from LA Galaxy. Both clubs acknowledged reaching a settlement regarding the discovery rights, though they agreed to withhold details until the investigation concludes.

Casemiro's Background and Impact

Casemiro departs Manchester United after four seasons, during which he made 160 appearances and scored 26 goals. The midfielder won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup with the English club before agreeing to leave at the end of the 2026-27 season. He previously spent nine years at Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles and establishing himself as one of football's premier defensive midfielders.

His arrival bolsters Inter Miami's squad, which already includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Luis Suárez as marquee attacking players. The team is currently defending its 2025 MLS Cup title. Manchester United has responded to Casemiro's departure by signing midfield reinforcements, including Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million.

What is MLS discovery rights and how does it work?+

Discovery rights is an MLS regulation granting specific clubs first refusal to sign a player joining the league. Each team maintains a list of up to five players for whom they have priority. Clubs may trade these rights to other teams, as occurred when Inter Miami acquired Casemiro's rights from LA Galaxy.

What is the tampering investigation about?+

MLS is reviewing allegations that Inter Miami engaged in improper conduct while acquiring Casemiro's discovery rights from LA Galaxy. The league has not specified the exact nature of the alleged tampering but stated it is gathering relevant information before concluding its review.

What are Casemiro's contract terms with Inter Miami?+

Casemiro signed a one-year deal with Inter Miami running through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS sprint season, with an option to extend the contract through June 2029. He joined the club as a free agent following his departure from Manchester United.

Has LA Galaxy commented on the investigation?+

Yes, LA Galaxy confirmed it reached a settlement with Inter Miami regarding the discovery priority for Casemiro. The club stated that the specific terms of the settlement would be released after the MLS tampering investigation is complete.

How did Casemiro perform at Manchester United?+

Casemiro made 160 appearances for Manchester United over four seasons, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. He won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup with the club before departing, having established himself as a key midfielder during his tenure.

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