Inter Miami star hit with MLS fine after teammate lands extended suspension
The MLS announced on Friday that Inter Miami defender Facundo Mura has been slapped with a fine for diving during the Herons’ 2-0 win at Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Chasing down an errant ball deep within Miami territory in the 23rd minute, and with the game still goalless, Mura and Salt Lake’s Alexandros Katranis both challenged for the ball. The Argentine immediately went to the ground, appearing to have been tripped, with the referee calling a foul.
However, the MLS has now called Mura’s bluff, stating, “The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF defender Facundo Mura for violating the league’s policy regarding simulation/embellishment in the 23rd minute of Miami’s match against Real Salt Lake on April 22.”
This comes just a day after the MLS Disciplinary Committee announced its decision to extend Yannick Bright’s suspension from one to two games following his sending off late in Miami’s 3-2 win at the Colorado Rapids .
This ban comes in light of Bright having being found in violation of “the league’s Non-Discrimination Policy.” This means the Italian will miss Miami’s upcoming home game against the New England Revolution on Saturday.
Furthermore, “Bright is also participating in and must complete a restorative practice program.”
The league’s statement went on to add, “In making decisions under this Policy, MLS considers many factors, including the player's immediate acceptance of responsibility for harm caused by the misconduct, eagerness to begin a process to repair it, and cooperation with the League’s review.”
This could be a costly game for Bright to miss, with Miami still in search of a first win at the newly opened NU Stadium. The franchise’s first permanent home - having previously played at Chase Stadium, which will now be used for training, by Miami II, and the team’s academy - so far they have managed two 2-2 draws at the gleaming 26,700-seater stadium.
It will also mark Guillermo Hoyos ’ first home game since taking interim charge, following Javier Mascherano’s abrupt departure . The former Barcelona star, who guided Miami to its first MLS Cup last season, opted to leave citing “personal reasons.”
Since taking over, 62-year-old Hoyos has led Miami to back-to-back wins on the road in what is his first managerial role since 2023, when he led Bolivian side Oriente Petrolero for 13 games.
A win could lift Miami from second to the top of the Eastern Conference, with Nashville SC currently just a point ahead and set to play Oriente Petrolero on Saturday. The Tennesseean side does, however, have a game in hand and a far superior goal difference.
Following New England, Miami will prepare to host their Floridian rivals, Orlando City SC , on May 2. The current 12th-placed side is awaiting the arrival of Antoine Griezmann , who is set to join from Atletico Madrid in July.
2018 FIFA World Cup winner Griezmann is set to join on a deal until the end of the 2027-2028 MLS season.
