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Casemiro’s Inter Miami move investigated by MLS for potential discovery rule violations. LA Galaxy also pursued the Brazilian midfielder.
Casemiro celebrates his side’s second goal by Matheus Cunha (9) during the World Cup Group C game against Haiti (Picture credit: AP)
Star Brazilian midfielder Casemiro’s dream of playing alongside Lionel Messi might come to an end after Major League Soccer launched an investigation into Inter Miami’s signing of the player hours after his official unveiling. The league is investigating whether Miami broke discovery rules to sign Casemiro.
LA Galaxy had the Brazilian footballer on their list, but he has joined the Eastern Conference team.
MLS clubs can list up to five footballers on their Discovery List at any given time, giving them exclusive negotiating rights with those players and preventing other teams in the league from pursuing them.
LA Galaxy had Casemiro on their Discovery List, but Inter Miami acquired his rights before he signed this summer. But reports suggest Miami had already opened negotiations with the midfielder before bagging those rights.
“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 settled for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation,” MLS has said in a statement.
Casemiro was unveiled on Wednesday ahead of Inter Miami’s victory over Chicago Fire. The midfielder opened up about his move and revealed that he had held discussions with LA Galaxy before joining the MLS club.
“I would like to be very clear about this situation, especially as it pertains to my person. I spoke to the Galaxy a while ago. I left it very clear to them that I wanted to join Miami because, in the end, it is a city I love,” Casemiro said.
“When I spoke to them [the Galaxy], I left it very clear which team I wanted to join in the MLS and that’s Inter Miami because of the project, the hope and of course to play with the best player of all time,” Casemiro added.
Casemiro has officially signed with Inter Miami, making it possible for him to play with Lionel Messi. However, Major League Soccer is investigating Inter Miami for alleged tampering related to Casemiro’s signing.
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