Messi's Inter Miami faces MLS investigation over alleged Casemiro deal tampering

Inter Miami's signing of Casemiro has quickly come under scrutiny after MLS launched a tampering investigation into the transfer. The probe centres on discovery rights, reviving questions over the club's transfer dealings despite securing another marquee signing alongside Lionel Messi.

In Short

• Casemiro signed for Messi's Inter Miami until 2027 season
• LA Galaxy held first negotiating priority for overseas players through discovery listing
• MLS withheld settlement details until investigation concludes

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have landed in fresh controversy just moments after completing the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, with Major League Soccer (MLS) launching an investigation into the club over alleged transfer tampering. The probe centres on whether the Florida-based side complied with the league's discovery rights regulations before finalising the former Manchester United star's move.

Inter Miami confirmed on Wednesday that Casemiro had joined the club on a deal until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend it until June 2029. However, the celebration was quickly overshadowed after MLS announced it was reviewing allegations linked to the transfer.

"Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF," the league said in a statement. "The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete."

The league also confirmed that while Inter Miami and LA Galaxy had reached an agreement regarding Casemiro's discovery priority, the details of that settlement would only be released after the investigation concludes.

WHY IS INTER MIAMI BEING INVESTIGATED?

The investigation revolves around MLS' unique discovery rights system, a rule designed to prevent clubs from competing directly for the same overseas player.

Each MLS club can place up to five players on its discovery list, effectively giving them the first opportunity to negotiate if that player decides to join the league. In Casemiro's case, those rights belonged to LA Galaxy.

Inter Miami announced that it had acquired those rights before unveiling the Brazilian, while the Galaxy later confirmed a settlement had been reached between the two clubs.

"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," the Galaxy said in a statement.

The key question for MLS investigators is whether Inter Miami contacted or negotiated with Casemiro before officially obtaining the Galaxy's discovery rights, which would constitute tampering under league regulations.

Casemiro, who left Manchester United after both parties agreed not to renew his contract, expressed his excitement about the move.

"What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow," the 34-year-old said after completing the transfer.

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also welcomed the five-time Champions League winner.

"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," Beckham said.

INTER MIAMI'S PREVIOUS RUN-INS WITH MLS

This is not the first time Inter Miami have found themselves under league scrutiny.

In 2021, MLS fined the club $2 million after an investigation found it had breached salary budget regulations during the signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi. The club was also penalised for underreporting player compensation, resulting in additional sporting sanctions and allocation money deductions.

Despite the latest investigation, Casemiro's arrival significantly strengthens a star-studded Inter Miami squad featuring Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilon. Whether the transfer ultimately complies with MLS regulations, however, now rests on the findings of the league's ongoing investigation.

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