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Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder and five-time Champions League winner Casemiro on Wednesday, and Major League Soccer is now investigating whether the reigning league champions engaged in manipulation to get that deal done.
The 34-year-old Casemiro – 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 until the end of the 2027 sprint season, with an option to extend until June 2029.
MLS is officially switching from its traditional spring-to-fall schedule to an international-style summer-to-spring calendar that runs from July to May. To bridge the gap between the 2026 season and the start of the full 2027-28 season, MLS established the 2027 Sprint Seasonn—a one-off, shortened 14-game tournament that runs from February to May 2027.
Casemiro’s discovery rights were owned by the LA Galaxy, and by league rules that would have prevented Inter Miami from negotiating with him. The teams reached a settlement that allowed Inter Miami to complete the long-awaited signing, but the league is still investigating the allegation of tampering.
“The league is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete,” MLS said in a statement. “While Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy have reached a settlement on Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released following the conclusion of the tampering investigation.”
It is unclear when Casemiro will make his debut for Inter Miami. The team said he is still waiting for the necessary visa.
Casemiro spent the past four seasons with Manchester United, and the majority of his professional career before that 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 Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
