Casemiro joins Inter Miami but club investigated by MLS for alleged tampering

Casemiro’s move to Florida was announced on Wednesday subject to the award of a visa but shortly after the announcement, the league confirmed there was an investigation into the reigning MLS champions.

Casemiro has joined a club who are now under investigation (Martin Rickett/PA)

David Beckham’s Inter Miami are being investigated by Major League Soccer for alleged tampering after completing the signing of Casemiro.

Casemiro’s move to Florida, on an initial deal until 2027 with an option to extend his stay until June 2029, was announced on Wednesday subject to the award of a visa.

But shortly after the announcement, the league confirmed there was an investigation into the reigning MLS champions.

A new No. 5 is in the 305. @Casemiro is Home. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VNL4FeHgub

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 22, 2026

A statement read: “Major League Soccer is reviewing a tampering allegation against Inter Miami CF. The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.

“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.”

The MLS has a regulation called the discovery process in which clubs can add up to five players to their list and they then get first refusal to sign them.

Casemiro, the 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder, was on LA Galaxy’s list.

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.

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 22, 2026

However, the Brazil international, a free agent after the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford at the end of last season, has decided to sign with Lionel Messi’s Miami.

LA Galaxy said in a statement: “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 won five Champions Leagues during his time with Real Madrid and lifted the League Cup and FA Cup at Manchester United.

He told Inter Miami’s official website: “What motivates me the most – and I think this is true for every player – is winning and continuing to grow. The project the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me.

“I’m incredibly grateful and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust — not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well.

“All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the club has shown me.”

Capped 91 times by his country – the last coming in the World Cup round of 16 – the former Sao Paulo player brings vast experience to his new club.

Co-owner Beckham said: “I’m very proud to welcome Casemiro and his family to Inter Miami. He is a person and a player that I have admired for a long time.

“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.”