Casemiro Signs Joins Inter Miami as MLS Launches Tampering Investigation

Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder and five-time Champions League winner Casemiro on Wednesday, and Major League Soccer is currently investigating whether the defending league champion engaged in tampering to complete the deal. Casemiro, 34, who appeared in all five of Brazil’s matches at this year’s World Cup and scored a goal against Japan in the round of 16, has agreed to a contract with Inter Miami through the end of the 2027 sprint season, with an option to extend through June 2029. MLS is officially transitioning from its traditional spring-to-fall schedule to an international-style summer-spring schedule, running from July to May. To bridge the gap between the 2026 season and the start of the full 2027-28 season, MLS created the 2027 Sprint Season, a one-off, truncated 14-game tournament taking place from February to May 2027. Casemiro’s scouting rights were held by the LA Galaxy and by a league rule that would have prevented Inter Miami from negotiating with him. The teams reached an agreement that allowed Inter Miami to complete the long-awaited signing, but the league is still investigating the tampering allegations. “The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS said in a statement. “Although Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy have reached an agreement for Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, terms will be released once the tampering investigation is complete.” It is unclear when Casemiro will debut for Inter Miami. The team said he was still waiting for the necessary visa. Casemiro has spent the last four seasons with Manchester United and most of his professional career previously with Real Madrid. “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 am delighted that he has decided to make Miami his next home,” said David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami. The Associated Press contributed to this report.