Major League Soccer has launched an investigation into allegations of fraud by Inter Miami following the club’s signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
Inter Miami confirmed on Wednesday that the 34-year-old has joined the club after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season, signing a contract until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign with an option to extend until June 2029.
Shortly after the announcement, MLS revealed that it was reviewing possible violations of its rules.
“The department is gathering all relevant information and will not comment further until the review is complete,” the department said in a statement.
“While Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy have reached an agreement to secure the signing of Casemiro first, terms will be released once the investigation is completed.”
The investigation centers on MLS’ acquisition rights, which give one club first refusal if a listed player wishes to join the league. Each MLS club can hold the rights to up to five players at any given time.
LA Galaxy held the rights to Casemiro before Inter Miami announced they had acquired them as part of the deal.
Galaxy confirmed that an agreement had been reached, but said that the details would remain confidential until the agency’s investigation was completed.
Casemiro says goodbye to Manchester United
Casemiro announced in January that he would be leaving Manchester United by mutual consent following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2026-27 season.
The midfielder enjoyed title success with Real Madrid before joining United in 2022, winning five Champions League titles in Spain.
He made 160 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists while lifting the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
He also appeared in Brazil as they reached the last 16 of the World Cup this summer.
“What inspires me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is that he wins and continues to grow,” Casemiro said following his departure.
United have already moved to strengthen their midfield following his departure, signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.
Inter Miami owner David Beckham welcomed the arrival of the experienced midfielder.
“He is a winner who has achieved a lot in the game and after an impressive career with Real Madrid and Manchester United, I am delighted that he has decided to make Miami his next home,” said Beckham.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro joins former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina internationals Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul.
It is not the first time that Inter Miami has faced scrutiny regarding its trade.
In 2021, the club was fined $2 million after violating MLS roster rules related to the signing of Blaise Matuidi from Juventus.
The league found that the French midfielder’s compensation exceeded the allowed limits, giving Miami four designated players instead of the three allowed under MLS rules.
The designated player rule, popularly known as “Beckham’s rule”, was introduced after Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007.
