The 29-year-old is subject of a 12-match ban after he was sent off on the final day of last season at Manchester City and was later found guilty of two counts of violent conduct by the Football Association.
Barton has spent pre-season training with League Two newboys Fleetwood and has now returned to the west Londoners.
QPR had reportedly hoped to send the midfielder out on loan to a Football League club as his ban would be served quicker due to the volume of games played.
However, it is believed the body would oppose any such move and would refuse to register him while his ban remains.
The Football League is understood to be uncomfortable with the circumventing of the FA punishment and believe it would bring the loan system into disrepute.
QPR would not comment on the matter.
