MLS launch investigation into Inter Miami for alleged tampering over Casemiro signing

MLS launch investigation into Inter Miami for alleged tampering over Casemiro signing

class="wp-block-paragraph">Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to investigate the circumstances surrounding Casemiro’s high-profile move to Inter Miami.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Miami officially unveiled the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder on Wednesday after he signed a two-year deal. The contract also includes an option to extend his stay until 2029.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">However, the excitement around the signing has been overshadowed by an MLS investigation into an alleged tampering issue involving the acquisition of the Brazilian midfielder.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Under MLS rules, clubs can place players on a discovery list, giving them the first opportunity to negotiate with those players and preventing rival teams from pursuing them without first reaching an agreement.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">LA Galaxy reportedly held Casemiro’s discovery rights before Miami secured them in a deal believed to be worth around £750,000.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">MLS has confirmed that while the two clubs reached an agreement over those rights, it is reviewing whether any league rules were breached during the process.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">In a statement, MLS said it is gathering all relevant information before deciding on any further action.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF,” the statement read (via the Daily Mail).

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.”

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class="wp-block-paragraph">This is not the first time Miami has been investigated for regulatory issues.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2021, the club received significant financial penalties after incorrectly reporting the salary of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">That case resulted in fines for both the club and senior officials, along with a suspension for then-chief operating officer Paul McDonough.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Miami have also faced previous sanctions relating to salary budget rules involving several other players.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite the ongoing investigation, Casemiro is expected to begin the next chapter of his career in Florida after leaving United as a free agent.