Major League Soccer today announced sanctions for Inter Miami CF violating MLS’ salary budget and roster guidelines during the 2020 season. The violations included the incorrect roster categorization for players Blaise Matuidi and Andrés Reyes who should have occupied a Designated Player slot. The violations also included undisclosed agreements that resulted in the underreporting of salary budget amounts for players Leandro González Pirez, Nicolás Figal and Julián Carranza.
The penalties include a $2 million fine to the club and a $250,000 fine to Managing Owner Jorge Mas. In addition, Paul McDonough, Inter Miami’s COO and Sporting Director at the time of the infractions, has been suspended through the end of the 2022 MLS season. MLS also imposed a reduction of $2,271,250 in allocation dollars for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
None of Inter Miami’s players were the subject of the investigation, committed any violation, nor were aware of the violations. Their current contracts with MLS remain in full force and effect.
“The integrity of our rules is sacrosanct, and it is a fundamental principle of our league that our clubs are responsible for adhering to all league regulations,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “Our rules will not be compromised. These sanctions reflect the severity of Inter Miami’s violations, should encourage complete cooperation by all parties in future investigations, and will serve as a deterrent for clubs from violating roster rules.”
The comprehensive investigation by Major League Soccer included interviews with Inter Miami staff and ownership and a review of more than 1,400 pages of documents. Based on the investigation’s findings, Commissioner Garber has imposed the following discipline: _
The investigation found no wrongdoing on the part of Inter Miami owners Marcelo Claure, Masayoshi Son, Jose Mas, and David Beckham.
Prior to the issuance of sanctions, Inter Miami, under the leadership of Jorge Mas, has undertaken significant, proactive reform efforts to ensure the club is fully compliant with MLS rules going forward. Inter Miami is required to present its full compliance protocol to the league office on or before May 31, 2021.
