Queens Park Rangers could be without Glen Kamara for Friday’s Championship game against West Ham United if Fifa is asked to intervene in a club-versus-country dispute.
The Football Association of Finland says Kamara, 30, was withdrawn from international duty by QPR before Tuesday’s Uefa Nations League game against Hungary. Finland head coach Jacob Friis said: “Glen was in a difficult situation as his club insisted he leave the camp and return to London. He had to make a decision that was obviously not what we wanted.”
Fifa rules state that a player released for international duty must be available to their nation for the entire window unless an earlier return is separately agreed. A withdrawn player may also not play for their club five days after the end of the window without the consent of the national team association. Friday’s match is scheduled to take place three days after the end of the international window, putting Kamara’s involvement in doubt.
QPR boss Julien Stephan said in his pre-match media duties: “There is a dialogue between the club and the Finland federation. We will take a decision after that discussion.”
The Finnish FA’s general secretary, Marco Casagrande, told Helsingin Sanomat that the regulations are “very clear” and, in Finland’s view, “were not fully followed in this case.” He added: “Fifa will definitely be informed. The player has not been available for the entire international window, as the regulations say he should be. After that, it’s up to Fifa how they proceed with the matter.”
Kamara is on loan at QPR from Rennes and has played in seven of their eight Championship games this season, starting three and coming on as a substitute in four. During the international window, he did not feature in Finland’s opening Nations League game against San Marino, came off at half-time in their second match against Belarus, and was brought on after 45 minutes against Albania on Saturday.
QPR are sixth in the Championship table. The Finnish FA said its focus was now on Tuesday’s game against Hungary.