QPR face losing Kamara for West Ham clash in Finland dispute

Queens Park Rangers could be without Glen Kamara for Friday's Championship game against West Ham United after bringing the midfielder back from Finland duty early.

The Football Association of Finland says QPR withdrew the 30-year-old before Tuesday 6 October's UEFA Nations League game against Hungary, according to BBC Sport. Finland head coach Jacob Friis said Kamara was in a difficult situation because his club insisted he leave the camp and return to London.

That early return matters because of FIFA's international rules. During the international window, the set dates when clubs must release players for national teams, a player must stay available for his country for the whole period unless an earlier return is separately agreed.

There is also a five-day rule. A player taken out of international duty cannot play for his club for five days after the window ends without the national association's permission. QPR's meeting with West Ham falls on Friday, only three days after the window closes.

Finland are not letting it go. General secretary Marco Casagrande said the regulations are very clear and, in Finland's view, were not fully followed in the Kamara case. He added that FIFA will definitely be told that Kamara was not available for the entire window, and it is up to FIFA how to proceed.

QPR boss Julien Stephan said there is a dialogue between the club and the Finnish federation and a decision will be taken after that discussion. That leaves Kamara's involvement on Friday uncertain.

Kamara has been a regular part of QPR's start. He has started three games and come off the bench in four more of their eight Championship matches so far this season. QPR sit sixth in the table, England's second tier.

His international break has been stop-start. He did not feature against San Marino, came off at half-time against Belarus, and was brought on after 45 minutes against Albania on Saturday.

For supporters, this is the familiar tug of club against country. QPR signed Kamara on a season-long loan from Rennes in August, adding a player who began his career at Arsenal and later played for Rangers, Leeds United and Finland at Euro 2020. Now they must wait to learn if they can pick him on Friday, or if Finland and FIFA have the final say.