The MLS investigation into Inter Miami's signing of Casemiro has taken a dramatic turn. LA Galaxy president Will Kuntz has come out with a new version of events regarding the Brazilian midfielder's signing.
Casemiro eventually signed with Inter Miami this summer, but his signing has been in question as the league investigates potential tampering. Now, Kuntz has said the former Manchester United star sent LA Galaxy a totally different message before his arrival in South Florida.
LA Galaxy CEO Reveals New Casemiro Conversation
In reference to the investigation, Kuntz said that the Galaxy was his first choice.
"Look, I know there's been a few things said. The league is going to release their findings. It's true that Casemiro called and said that he always wanted to play at Inter Miami. It's also true that came two months after he told us that he only wanted to play for the Galaxy."
Caean Couto-Imagn Images
The statement is an unusual twist in the case, as it implies that Casemiro's role evolved during the negotiations. The midfielder initially made a strong interest in joining LA Galaxy before eventually telling the club that Inter Miami was his first choice.
The timeline may be a key element in MLS's investigation as the league examines how the transfer came about and if any club broke league rules in the recruitment process.
What It Could Mean for the MLS Investigation
MLS hasn't announced its findings yet, but Kuntz said the league is working on announcing the results of its investigation.
The Galaxy executive did not go so far as to say that Inter Miami was directly responsible, but said that the league's report will decide if there was any wrongdoing.
The result may have major consequences for Inter Miami. If MLS finds that tampering occurred, the club may be subject to disciplinary measures, including financial sanctions and sanctions on future player acquisition.
The saga of Casemiro's transfer is sure to be one of the biggest stories in MLS until the league releases its findings.
