GENEVA (AP) — European nations agreed Thursday to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions to protest Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in football’s biggest tournament to private equity investors. The North American football body rejected his plan later the same day. “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions,” the European football body said after an urgent online meeting of its 55 member nations.

Europe’s football governing body said the tournament should not be seen as an investment product and is 'not for sale'.

In an unprecedented step, European nations said they would boycott the World Cup unless FIFA reverses a controversial deal to sell minority stakes to the marquee soccer tournament.